Chick-fil-A Lovers Line Up For Re-Opening Of Palm Harbor Site

PALM HARBOR, FL- Although Palm Harbor’s newly reconstructed Chick-fil-A restaurant doesn’t open until Thursday, Dec. 6, chicken lovers have been standing in line since early Wednesday morning for a chance to win a year’s worth of Chick-fil-A meals.

In what’s become a Chick-fil-A grand opening tradition, Dan Metzger, owner of the Chick-fil-A franchise at 32800 U.S. 19 N., will award free meals for a year to the first 100 people attending the grand opening.

Additionally, to celebrate the completion of the four-month project, Chick-fil-A will host a book drive to benefit the Palm Harbor Library and will donate 10,000 meals to Feeding Children Everywhere.

The original drive-through-only Palm Harbor Chick-fil-A opened nearly 22 years ago. That building was torn down four months ago and replaced with a full-capacity, free-standing restaurant with 500 percent more room than the old Chick-fil-A.

The new restaurant features an inside dining area with seating for 122, a two-story, interactive, indoor playground, a kitchen that’s twice the size of the old one and patio dining for 20.

For those who still prefer the drive-through route, the restaurant now has dual drive-through ordering lanes that merge into a single payment and pick-up line. The restaurant also offers a dedicated Chick-fil-A mobile ordering counter for those who want their food even faster.

The interior features the chain’s vintage heritage design with subway tile, a large gathering table made from reclaimed wood and a custom light fixture made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles. Free Wi-Fi has been added as well.

Metzger, who is adding an additional 65 jobs to his team of 35 who were employed previously, is continuing to interview potential team members. Interested candidates may go online for applications and additional information at www.cfapalmharborjobs.com.

In gratitude for the community’s support, Metzger, who has operated the Palm Harbor location since October 2003, will host a First 100 event where customers can camp out in his new parking lot for a chance to win free Chick-fil-A meals for a year. A family-friendly overnight First 100 party will take place all day and overnight starting Wednesday in the parking lot. This community event is open to guests residing in specific zip codes surrounding the restaurant. A list of eligible zip codes and rules can be found at https://thechickenwire.chick-fil-a.com/News/Future-Openings.

The First 100 event is a Chick-fil-A tradition dating back 14 years. In that time, Chick-fil-A’s First 100 celebration has given away more than $31 million and continues to be the chain’s signature grand opening event.

Participants camp out with tents, sleeping bags and lawn chairs in the hopes of winning a digital offer card loaded with a one-year supply of free Chick-fil-A meals (52 meals with each consisting of a Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, medium Waffle Potato Fries and a medium beverage) that will be awarded to the first 100 eligible adults - ages 18 and older with identification - in line when the doors open around 5:45 a.m. on Dec. 7. If more than 100 people are onsite when the line officially opens at 6 a.m. on Dec. 6, a drawing will be held to randomly select the First 100. Those chosen will be required to camp out until the grand opening in order to secure their spot.

Photos provided by Chick-fil-A

By 6:45 a.m. Wednesday morning, more than 30 people had gathered in the Chick-fil-A parking lot.

A former drive-thru only Chick-fil-A restaurant, the new building now features indoor dining, a children’s playground, expanded capacity and other improvement as well as creating 65 new jobs.