The Red and Black

Issue date: 6/21/07 Section: News

Media Credit: RENE LAUTENSCHLAGER People camp outside the Chick-fil-A on Alps Road, on Tuesday, June 19, waiting for the official opening at 6 a.m. Adam May, a management information systems and technology major, has been waiting since 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. [Click to enlarge]

After 15 weeks of reconstruction, the Beechwood Chick-fil-A is reopening today and offering its first 100 customers free Chick-fil-A combo meals for a year.

The building, still located on Alps Road, has upgraded facilities. The new features include an indoor playground, additional seating, an updated interior design and wireless internet.

The Chick-fil-A also has a different drive-thru that will be more efficient and will allow for better customer service, said Shane Todd, Beechwood Chick-fil-A owner.

"With the building being almost 23 years old, it needed an update," Todd said.

Built in 1984, the building experienced various names and owners.

Delites, owned by Herschel Walker, occupied the building first. The facility was turned into a Hardee's later. It became Chick-fil-A in 1992.

There were about 50 customers lined up in front of the restaurant at 10 a.m. Wednesday. They continued to gather throughout the day.

Individuals 18 years or older can begin to wait 24 hours before the opening to guarantee their spot in the first 100.

The morning of the reopening, Chick-fil-A will open its doors 30 minutes early to announce the winners. The 100 customers will receive 52 coupons for a free combo meal, which is about $26,000 in free Chick-fil-A food in total.

"We just want to reward our raving fans," Todd said.

Many University students are fans of the Beechwood Chick-fil-A because of its location and products.

"It's definitely more convenient for where I live," said Mead Boley, a junior from Atlanta. "It's a lot closer to campus, so I'll be able to eat Chick-fil-A more often."

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