Community Corner

'It's About the Chicken'

More than 270 people showed up at the new Chick-fil-A site in Northlake to camp out for the chance at winning free food this morning.

More than 270 people showed up at Chick-fil-A's newest restaurant on LaVista Road in Northlake early Wednesday morning for the chance to win free food 24 hours before the location is set to open to legions of chicken sandwich-craving customers.

"It's about the chicken," said Michael Vine, 19, a University of Alabama student who said he travels with friends to Chick-fil-A restaurant openings along the East Coast. "But it's more about hanging out with friends."

The large group of Chick-fil-A fans assembled next to the restaurant location at 3967 LaVista Rd. well before the line officially opened at 6am, said Angie Slifer, a grand opening event planner with Chick-fil-A. The first 100 adults in the line were to receive free Chick-fil-A meals for a year, but since far more than 100 showed up, the winners will be drawn in a raffle before the store opens tomorrow at 6am.Β 

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Most people who showed up to stand in line also brought tents, tarps and other forms of temporary shelter to keep them comfortable until tomorrow morning. The restaurant's parking lot was filled with tents later in the morning. Some customers came to the event from as far away as Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Tennessee.Β 

Ryan and Derrick Baird, 28, of Lawrenceville said they have several friends who own Chick-fil-A restaurants, and they recently attended a restaurant opening in Midland.

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"I love what Chick-fil-A stands for. I love their food," Ryan Baird said. "I love that they have Christian values and that they're closed on Sundays."

Stay tuned to North Druid Hills-Briarcliff Patch for updates. We'll definitely have one up tomorrow after the restaurant opens.


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