Chick-fil-A postpones Cow Appreciation Day, moves celebration online

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Chick-fil-A announced it would be postponing its annual Cow Appreciation Day, citing concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic. The event was scheduled to take place July 14, but was nixed due to social distancing and public health guidelines. 

Chick-fil-A has celebrated Cow Appreciation Day — a promotion offering free chicken sandwiches to customers decked out in bovine attire — every year since 2005. Instead, this year the fast food restaurant will provide printable activities on Pinterest for families to celebrate. 

“We made this decision with the communities we serve in mind, keeping Safe Service as our highest priority at this time,” the company wrote on its website. “Until we can gather again in person and celebrate our Cows, we have created a few fun ways to keep the spirit of Cow Appreciation Day alive this summer.”

Despite the postponement, the restaurant encourages customers to indulge in “cow-themed quality time.” This includes printable activities such as Moo Bingo, scavenger hunts and coloring pages. 

The company said it would release more information in the coming months, with potential updates on when the celebration will be held. It’s unclear how soon that may be. 

The announcement comes as rises in COVID-19 cases has increased concerns among restaurants. Just last week, McDonalds announced it would pause reopening plans for its indoor dining. 

“Keeping with our thoughtful approach to reopening, effective today, we are pausing all dine-in reopening plans for 21 days,” company leaders wrote in a letter Wednesday to franchise operators and employees in the U.S.

Chick-fil-A restaurants will continue operating business, adhering to the company’s ‘Safe Service’ protocols.