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A Chicago Restaurant Aped Chick-fil-A to Raise Funds During Pride Month
Over the weekend, Void, an Italian American restaurant in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood, became the latest to enlist the fried chicken sandwich as a symbol of protest for the LGBTQ communities. For its Chick-Feel-Gay pop-up held on Sunday, June 22, the restaurant sold crispy chicken sandwiches and shakes. These were gourmet versions of what fast-food fans would find a Chick-fil-A.
But this was no tribute. Though there have been attempts to whitewash its past, Chick-fil-A remains a sensitive topic thanks to its history of opposing LGBTQ causes. Last year, Chicago's Brave Space Alliance bristled when news broke that a location would be moving in underneath the nonprofit that's been advocating for LGBTQ members on Chicago's South Side for 25 years.
While responding to comment for that story, a spokesperson of Chick-Fil-A told Eater Chicago that there's been plenty of misunderstanding when it comes to the fast-food company's stance on the queer community. Chef Art Smith didn't buy that explanation, describing the chain as 'the evil Chick-fil-A' at his annual Lunar New Year Party held at his Hyde Park Home.
In 2014, Leghorn Chicken was a pioneer for this type of rebellion. The Ukrainian Village chicken sandwich spot, which has since closed, built its brand around being LGBTQ friendly, playing loud hip-hop music, and staying open on Sunday (Chick-fil-A famously closes on Sundays). A Vermont restaurant held a similar event in 2021.
Lost Lake, the now-shuttered tiki bar in Logan Square, was the first to host the Chick-Feel-Gay pop-up in 2020. Led by sous chef Dani Kaplan during Pride Month, proceeds benefited the Brave Space Alliance. Kaplan, now a co-owner at Void, decided to bring back Chick-Feel-Gay to her new restaurant for Pride in 2025.
Void's event drew a crowd, giving customers a unique way to celebrate. Check out some of the photos below.
Void, 2937 N. Milwaukee Avenue See More: Chicago Restaurant News
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