Campground builds on eve of Chick-fil-A opening

The new Chick-fil-A at 3023 College Drive doesn’t open until 6 a.m. Thursday, but the chance to win a year’s worth of meals has had some people camped out for the past two days. Activities run into the night tonight, with a nugget party at 6 p.m., a showing of the movie “Soul Surfer” at 7 p.m. and an ice cream party at 9 p.m., as well as games and door prizes scheduled all evening. Adults can register and stay on-site to receive one of 100 vouchers for 52 free meals. If more than 100 register by 6 a.m., a raffle will determine the winners. Brad Arton, owner/operator of the new location, says that there is no deadline for registering, but he encourages people to arrive as early as they can. He says about 50 adults had registered by 12:30 p.m. today. “We expect a lot more as school and work let out,” he says. Arton says that many people follow Chick-Fil-A openings across the country for a chance at the big prize. Among the devotees are Alice McGinnes and her daughter Christine McGinnes of San Antonio, Texas, who set up their tent Tuesday afternoon. They have attended more than 25 such openings across Texas and Louisiana. “It tastes good and it’s healthier than most fast food,” Christine says. Alice says she’s equally into the atmosphere. “It’s lots of fun with games, and you meet lots of interesting people,” she says. Arton says the new restaurant will employ 80, with about 70 jobs filled so far. See a photo of the scene in the Chick-fil-A parking lot this afternoon here. —Ian McGibboney