Customers camp out for Chick-fil-A grand opening

Close to 40 Chick-fil-A fans were already setting up to camp out at the parking lot of the new Chick-fil-A opening in Hoover on Wed. Oct. 5, 24 hours prior to the Thursday grand opening at 5658 Grove Blvd.

These Chick-fil-A fans are camping out because operator Jeffrey Foster is awarding a year's supply to the first 100 in line when he opens Thursday morning. This prize consists of 52, #1 meals (Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, fries and a drink). The campers are fed meals and snacks throughout the day as well as having games, entertainment, prizes and a live DJ to help pass the time.

“After much anticipation, my team members and I can’t wait to welcome our guests to Hoover’s newest Chick-fil-A restaurant,” Foster said.

Customers arrived as early as 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Karl, who asked that his last name was not included, was the first to arrive. He said he did not mind getting to the opening so early because of the great weather, service and fun games.

“I am here getting the prize mainly for my wife,” Karl said. “She has no idea I am here. I dropped her off at the airport yesterday, so when she gets back I will surprise her with 52 free Chick-fil-A meals.”

Other customers came to have a fun experience with friends and family to celebrate their love for Chick-fil-A. Debbie Beathers is camping out with her sister and one of her closest friends. She said the main reason they decided to camp out was because a friend had told them how great of an experience the Chick-fil-A openings had been in the past.

“We love the whole philosophy of Chick-fil-A and all of their values. They focus on quality of food, family, education and serving other people,” Beathers said. “It makes us want to support them even more.’

Matt Prosch is another dedicated customer and this was not his first go around.

“I have done around six or eight Chick-fil-A openings in Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia,” Prosch said. “I do it because it’s fun to come to, free food and it helps save a lot of money.”

The new Chick-fil- A at the Grove will officially be open for business Thursday morning at 6 a.m. For more information, find the restaurant on Facebook.