A newly constructed Chick-fil-A location in Bellingham was vandalized this week, just days before its anticipated grand opening. Photos shared with Bellingham Metro News show red spray-painted graffiti across the exterior wall of the restaurant, located on Cordata Parkway. The message appears to reference opposition to meat consumption, with wording directed at “carnists,” a term sometimes used in discussions around veganism and animal rights.
The incident comes as the location prepares to open on April 30, putting the business roughly one week out from welcoming its first customers. The restaurant has been under construction for several months and has drawn significant attention locally as one of the first Chick-fil-A locations in the immediate area.
It is unclear at this time when the vandalism occurred or whether any suspects have been identified. There has been no official word yet on whether the damage will impact the planned opening date. But from what we have seen in previous vandalism incidents related to spray-painting—businesses are usually able to manage the post-affects of the spray paint or cover it up within a very timely manner, so this most likely won’t have any long-term effects.
The location is expected to be locally owned and operated by a Bellingham woman according to information sent to BMN from Chick-fil-A earlier this week, with preparations already underway for opening day operations. Opening day is expected to bring in record traffic to the area from people driving down from the Greater Vancouver metropolitan area, possibly northern Skagit County, and obviously the locals of Whatcom County.