Chicken Fans Camp Outside St. Louis Park's First Chick-fil-A

ST. LOUIS PARK, MN — How much do you love chicken sandwiches? Would you be willing to camp out in subzero weather for them? Local franchise owner Caleb Lee will open St. Louis Park’s first Chick-fil-A restaurant Feb. 1, bringing a chance for 100 people to win free Chick-fil-A meals for a year.

The St. Louis Park Chick-fil-A restaurant is one of three new locations to open in Minnesota within two weeks. The chain’s first restaurant in Rochester is also opening Feb. 1 with an Eagan restaurant opening Feb. 8.

The grand opening events at the new restaurant at 8020 Highway 7 will get underway on Jan. 31 when an overnight "First 100" party will pop up in the new restaurant parking lot as guests try to be one of the first 100 adults through the door to win a year of free Chick-fil-A meals.

Despite the recent dusting of snow and temperatures in the low 20s, people began camping out at the Knollwood location Wednesday morning. Temperatures are expected to fall below zero overnight.

Lee is continuing to interview for full and part-time positions at the restaurant. Interested applicants can apply online here.

The Chick-fil-A First 100

A tradition going back more than 14 years, Chick-fil-A’s First 100 celebration has given away more than $34 million in free food through 2017 and continues to be the chain’s signature grand opening event. Rain, snow and extreme temperatures do not deter Chick-fil-A fans who arrive with tents, chairs, TVs and computers to stay entertained.

Each fan hopes to win a digital offer card loaded with a one-year supply of free Chick-fil-A meals that will be awarded to the first 100 eligible adults– ages 18 and older with identification – around 5:45 a.m. on Feb. 1.

If more than 100 people are onsite when the line officially opens at 6 a.m. on Jan. 31 a drawing is held to randomly select the First 100. Those chosen are required to camp out until the grand opening in order to secure their spot.

Images via Chick-fil-A