100 people get free Chick Fil A for a year during Grand Opening

Lincoln’s second Chick Fil A restaurant opened to the public at 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning.

But, for 100 lucky customers, the doors opened at 6 a.m., and they got what they’d been waiting for: free Chick Fil A sandwiches for an entire year.

Chick Fil A grand openings have long been an attraction to customers across the country, and Lincoln is no different. 

“I was pretty excited, I did the first one but I was an alternate so I didn’t get in, so it was nice to be one of the first 100 for this one,” said Casey Beran, one of the campers who stayed overnight.

Starting at 5:30 Wednesday evening, people began lining up.  At 6 p.m., Chick Fil A employees drew names to see who would camp out in below freezing temperatures and be the first ones in the door Thursday morning.

The atmosphere Thursday morning was groggy and cold, but exciting.  The 100 campers cheered as they lined up to be let in.

“It’s cold, but I’m excited to get inside,” said Beran.

Then, the doors opened.  Customers wound through the new restaurant to collect their cards that would guarantee them one free sandwich a week for the next 52 weeks.

Chick Fil A’s operating hours are 6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  They are closed on Sundays.