Freezin’ for Chicken: Chick-Fil-A Grand Opening in Louisville

myself, Josh and Jennifer Philpot and Braylon Dole at the Chick-Fil-A grand opening, Jan. 7, in Louisville, Ky.

Sacrifice: 23 hours in 25-35 degree weather.

Payoff: 52 free combos at Chick-Fil-A (a $275 value).

Result: Cold and happy customers.

This equation was my life beginning at 7:30 a.m., Jan. 7 and ending at 6:30 a.m., Jan. 8.

The Skinny

For those of you who don’t know, every time a Chick-Fil-A opens, the first 100 customers through the door get free Chick-Fil-A for a year (the 52 free combo coupons).

Chick-Fil-A has done this for four years, so as you can imagine, people come early. 24 hours is the earliest you can get there. When you check in you get a wrist band with your number on it. Once you check in, you can’t leave the premises…for anything.

The Execution

I had some regulars going to this event, their fifth, who said they would call me when the count got up to 30-40 and we would go from there. They arrived at 7 a.m. … and were No. 62 and 63 in line. I thus got a early, arrived 20 minutes later and was No. 69.

Keep in mind it was snowing and 30 degrees when I arrived.

If you stay ’till the morning, you get the chicken. If you don’t, you don’t.

The Experience

This all-day party was a blast. It would be ideal if it was 60-80 degrees. Hence, the openings in Florida often fill up faster, according to one attendee of this opening.

The best part was the conversation. I had excellent ones in particular with Josh and Jennifer Philpot about life, ministry, ecclesiology and Wes and Martha Kimble about life, Chick-Fil-A grand openings and sports.

Around 5 p.m. through 10 p.m., Chick-Fil-A provided a DJ, and space heaters. The space heaters were better than the music, some of which I could have done without.

At 10 p.m., everyone got to go inside for Nuggets, Soup and warmth. Dan Cathy, president of Chick-Fil-A, came and talked to folks at 10. He talked a bit about the restaurant, his faith and gave a short devotional from James 1:5 (it was … pretty good. Seems to be a genuine believer).

In the morning, you get your coupons. Several TV stations covered the morning happenings live.

More in the future?

Yes, Lord willing.

Another Chick-Fil-A opens in New Albany, just across the river, in March. You can visit the corporate Chick-Fil-A website to learn about this, and other grand openings. Call for exact dates.

Maybe I’ll see you there…