Nathan Stubbs

A year's worth of Chick-fil-A

by Nathan Stubbs

Driving down Louisiana Ave. this evening, you may see a group of people camped out in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant, possibly playing games with a man dressed up as a chicken. You’re eyes won’t be deceiving you. This is what happens when Chick-fil-A opens a new stand-alone restaurant location. Chick-fil-A’s newest restaurant opens in Lafayette tomorrow, at 3205 Louisiana Ave. near the I-10 intersection. As has become tradition for Chick-fil-A grand openings, the restaurant will be giving away $26,000 in free Chick-fil-A food to the first 100 adults in line tomorrow morning. The Atlanta-based chain has been running its First 100 Fans promotion since 2003, when it marked the opening of the first stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurant in Arizona. The line can begin forming up to 24 hrs. prior to the opening, and Chick-fil-A patrons have been known to drive across state lines to camp out for the events, which turn into all-night tailgate parties. The prizes - one year supplies of free Chick-fil-A meals (52 coupons) - will be awarded to the first 100 adults, age 18 and older with identifcation, beginning at 6 a.m. The new Chick-fil-A restaurant marks the third franchise location for local operator John Arton. He is one of only nine Chick-fil-A franchisees nationwide to mangage as many locations.