Everyone here in Vegas is all atwitter about Chick Fil A opening up and I say they can kiss my fat, fried chicken loving ass.

I consider myself to be an ally to the LGBTQ community and I also try to put my money where my mouth is. The chain and owner vocally railed against LGBTQ issues. Well…since half of my friends, my sister in law and so many others I know are part of the LGBTQ community I saw no reason to ever go back. I show my support – and displeasure –  with my wallet when I walk out my front door. I don’t shop in W-mart and I choose to shop local when possible. I don’t fly Southwest, Frontier, Allegiant or Spirit. I don’t shop in Hobby Lobby, McD’s, Carl’s Jr. I actively avoid merchants who piss me off in one fashion or another and I will pay more money to have superior customer service. I know several people who feel the same way I do about LGBTQ issues and are still so excited about Chick Fil A opening in Vegas. I just don’t get it.

Let’s take political and social action off the table and be honest. The best thing about Chick Fil A is their hilarious Cow advertising. The fried chicken isn’t even that good! FYI – chicken is their first ingredient, salt is the second and MSG is the third (Moment of Truth – MSG is one of my 2 food allergies. I break out in hives).

So, if you need a fried chicken fix here in Vegas I suggest you try one of these places instead:

Mochiko Chicken – Trader Joe’s Plaza on Decatur – locally owned and operated with a variety of bowls, strips, sauces and good customer service. They are also big supporters of Breast Cancer related charities.

M & M Soul Food Café – Charleston & Valley View – Locally owned and operated. Trust me, just go. All the things you love about Southern food, including sweet tea and collards.

The Bromberg Brothers places –  Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken (Downtown Summerlin) and Brooklyn Bowl (The Linq) all have great chicken!

Fried chicken wings at Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken in Downtown Summerlin

Honey Salt – Charleston & Rampart – Locally owned and operated by the Blau Group, Chef Kim Canteenwalla makes a seriously good fried chicken sandWISH*. Huge supporters of Three Square Food Bank.

Yardbird – Venetian – I can’t say enough good things about this fried chicken. Flavorful to the bone and pressure fried in LARD…yeah, THAT. (pictured at the top of the page)

And if all else fails, go to Popeye’s.

I have a lot of friends who are “ethical eaters” for a variety of reasons. And I choose to eat and shop ethically as well. Ethical means a lot of things to a lot of different people, but the basic definition is:

pertaining to or dealing with morals or the principles of morality; pertaining to right and wrong in conduct

According to my mother, a company can choose to do whatever they like (clearly, they are PEOPLE according to congress after all). That’s true, but so can I. I do not have to spend my money in places I find morally repugnant. Choose one of the local options list above. I am quite sure they will appreciate your business MUCH more than corporate giants will.

*sandWISH is a word of my own making…