70 Campers Set Up Outside New Pleasanton Chick-fil-A Ahead of Grand Opening

PLEASANTON, CA — A tent city popped up Wednesday morning as die-hard chicken sandwich fans set up camp in front of Chick-fil-A in hopes of scoring free meals for a year when the restaurant opens Thursday morning. About 70 campers from all over the East Bay settled into their tents set up in the restaurant’s parking lot starting at about 5 a.m. As part of the long-standing Chick-fil-A tradition, the first 100 people in line will earn a digital offer card loaded with a one-year supply of 52 free Chick-fil-A meals.

Fremont residents Marc and Sarah Holguin say they have camped out for and won the coveted “First 100” freebie twice before. The Holguins were joined by family members Dean and Josh Chestnut.

The Holguins said the food is good quality and the employees are known for being friendly and hospitable. Chick-fil-A provides all of the campers three meals a day and allows them access to clean restrooms.

The camping and long lines are a very common occurrence during grand opening events for the popular chicken sandwich purveyor, according to Chick-fil-A spokeswoman Angie Slifer.

Slifer said during past grand openings, people used to fly in from out of the area for a shot at waiting in line and experiencing the build up to the grand opening. Slifer said campers usually get to know each other and often build a camaraderie while waiting.

As the line builds outside, the employees inside work on training.

Franchise owner Aaron Clifford, who is from the Bay Area, started working for Chick-fil-A when he was 14 years old.

“My team members and I can’t wait to welcome our guests,” said Clifford. “We’re not just in the chicken business — we’re in the people business. Our goal is to provide a remarkable experience for every customer, every time, by serving food our guests can truly feel good about eating, providing sincere hospitality and being a good neighbor in the Pleasanton community.”

Those who visit the new location are invited to donate children's books, which will be donated for use in after-school programs in Pleasanton. The eatery has also created about 100 new jobs, and it is still hiring. The company has a scholarship program for employees.

“Chick-fil-A always tried to invest in their employees,” Slifer told Patch.

Applications can be submitted through http://www.snagajob.com or applicants are invited to come by the new location for open interviews.

The company believes in sustainability, including recycling, responsible building and using healthier food ingredients, according to its website.

The roughly 5,000-square-foot restaurant is located off Johnson Court. Chick-fil-A has locations in Fremont, San Jose and Walnut Creek.

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Chick-fil-A is located at 5785 Johnson Drive.

Photos courtesy Autumn Johnson/ Patch