Some Northwest Arkansas churches supported Chick-Fil-A while protestors took their business elsewhere and picked up signs.
Berean Ministries in Gravette supplied hundreds of sandwiches and pieces of chicken from Chick-Fil-A while its members read bible verses.
"This is just to support the biblical view of marriage and morals," State Sen. Kim Hendren said.
Hendren supports Chick-Fil-A owner Dan Cathy’s biblical views on marriage and said Wednesday’s groundswell is the most intense he's witnessed.
"I’m 74 years old, and this is the most exciting thing I’ve seen across America," Hendren said.
Protesters against Chick-Fil-A took to Facebook and Twitter to encourage those on their side to eat at Backyard Burgers.
"I found that they support equality, as opposed to the Chick-Fil-A thing," said Joshua Jeffrion, who was eating at the Fayetteville Backyard Burgers.
Company officials said Backyard Burgers hasn't taken a position on the controversial issue, but said the restaurant welcomes all customers. Manager Kylee Lunsford said the Fayetteville location's business increased by several hundred dollars during Wednesday's lunch hour.
"Backyard Burgers doesn't take a political stance, but we are a peaceful assembly at our locations," Lunsford said.
The Bentonville Chick-Fil-A was crowded with supporters such as Mike Fisher, who held a giant wooden cross to demonstrate he is on Chick-Fil-A’s side.
"I know that it's right for a man and a woman to join together, but if they want to practice that, that is their business," Mike Fisher said.
A group of protestors held signs with printed messages such as “Stop using the bible as a weapon” and said their purpose is to spread understanding.
"That's why I'm here, to say no to hate, and I want people to know that," said Chance Beaver, who was holding a sign.
Same sex-couples are planning to visit Chick-Fil-A on Friday to take part nationwide for a "kiss-in". Hendren said he will be among some Chick-Fil-A supporters who say they will also participate with their spouses to counter the "kiss-in".