Chick-fil-A restaurants all across the country were filled to capacity on Wednesday, including several in Abilene.

Some were there for the chicken, but most were at the restaurant to support Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy, who recently spoke openly about his anti-gay marriage stance.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee declared Wednesday, August 1st, national "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day."

It certainly wasn't your typical lunch line at any Abilene Chick-fil-A. People came from near and far.

In fact, one customer, Theresa Parsons, made the drive all the way from Eastland. She had never even tried the food.

"I've never eaten here before (we're here) to show our support for Chick-fil-A and their right to standup for what they believe in," Parsons said.

Even with a deep line, and lengthy wait, people said they needed to be here to stand up for free speech.

"I'm supportive of Chick-fil-A and what they do," Larry Field said.

Darius Davis, manager of Abilene's south side store, said they anticipated the crowd and were preparing food inventory to accommodate them Tuesday night.

KTXS checked Mike Huckabee's Facebook invite to "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" and almost 640,000 people in the U.S. said they were attending the event.