Two National Chains Operating in the Tennessee Valley Close on the Day of Rest

It used to be rare for a business to be open on Sundays, but in today's modern busy world the opposite it true...

But that's not the case for two national chains in the Tennessee Valley.

If you've ever craved Chick-Fil-A on a Sunday afternoon, you likely were disappointed.

The company has more than 1100 stores in the U.S. and they're all closed on the day of rest...

Dean Kirstein, Owner/Operator Chick-Fil-A Oak Park Town Center in Hixson says, "Sunday would be a busy, busy day if we were open on Sundays, but that's not what we're about."

Kirstein says not only does the policy give employees time to spend with family and attend church, it doesn't hurt the bottom line.

The chain just celebrated $2 Billion in sales.

Chick-Fil-A Customer Philip Schmidt says, "They're making a statement to their employees, and they're making a statement to the community in that they are giving you time to worship."

CEO Truett Cathy founded the company on biblical principals.

Closing on Sundays is part of the company's core values, and while it IS unusual, its not unique.

Right down the street you'll find another national chain that doesn't do business the first day of the week.

Mike Smith, General Manager at Hixson Hobby Lobby says, "Our sales in six days are better than they were in seven."

Hobby Lobby stores started closing Sundays in 1998. 

Smith says the policy gets an overwhelmingly positive reaction from customers...

Hobby Lobby Shopper Sandy Washburn says, "I really respect it."

...and employees love it...

Darlene Miller, Co-manager at Hixson Hobby Lobby says, "It gives them a chance to worship with their families, go to church, and be with their families in the afternoon. Where lots of times people are out shopping, they can have family time."

The Hobby Lobby policy also comes straight from the top, founder David Green's motto is Keep God & family first.

For both companies following the 4th commandment just makes sense.

Kirstein says, "In our day and time its very rare to actually pass by a business and see it closed on a Sunday and I think that itself is a testament to what we all need to do."

Several Christian themed stores also close their doors on Sunday.