Chick-fil-A’s North Carolina Expansion Continues with much anticipated Lenoir location opening February 2

LENOIR, NC (February 2, 2017)…Chick-fil-A continues its expansion into Metro-Charlotte with dual openings with the first to open in Lenoir at Smith Crossroads on Feb. 2 and the second in Charlotte at the Waverly location on Feb. 9, bringing nearly 200 new jobs and the chance for 100 adults in line at each location on grand opening morning to win free Chick-fil-A meals for a year.

The family friendly overnight First 100 party will pop up in the restaurant parking lot located at 116 Wilkesboro Blvd., SE in Lenoir 24 hours before the grand opening as guests try to be one of the first 100 adults through the door to win a year of free Chick-fil-A meals. 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 www.chick-fil-a.com/Locations/Openings.

The Chick-fil-A First 100
A tradition going back 13 years, Chick-fil-A’s First 100 celebration has given away nearly $31 million in free food through 2016 and continues to be the chain’s signature grand opening event. Rain, snow and extreme temperatures below zero or above 100 do not deter Chick-fil-A fans who arrive with tents, chairs, TVs and computers.

Each fan hopes to win 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 at 6 a.m. on Feb. 2. If more than 100 people are on site when the line officially opens at 6 a.m. on Feb. 1, 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.

“After much anticipation, my team members and I can’t wait to welcome our guests to Lenoir’s newest Chick-fil-A restaurant,” said Sheley. “We’re not just in the chicken business — we’re in the people business. Our goal is to provide a remarkable experience for every customer, every time, by serving food our guests can truly feel good about eating, providing sincere hospitality and being a good neighbor.”

About Smith Crossroads Operator Mike Sheley
Prior to working with Chick-fil-A, Sheley graduated from Elon University with a degree in business administration with an emphasis in business management. No stranger to being a team player, he also played football for the university while on a four-year scholarship. Following his graduation, an avid outdoorsman, he became a hunting guide in the White River National Forest in Colorado. Sheley then served in sales and marketing for a small firm where his focus was in the outdoor and hunting industry.

Sheley’s dream of becoming an Operator runs in the family. His brother, Operator of the Cherry Road location in Rock Hill, S.C. knew of Sheley’s potential and urged him to join his team. Sheley’s mother is also a team member for Chick-fil-A in Mooresville, N.C. and gave him another perspective on the positive impact Chick-fil-A has had not only within his own family, but throughout the community. He quickly fell in love with the strong work ethic and positive environment and knew he wanted to be part of the brand. In 2005, he was awarded Elon’s Entrepreneur of the year, and in five short years working with Chick-fil-A, Sheley earned the Chick-fil-A Symbol of Success Award, Chick-fil-A Maximizer Award and the Chick-fil-A Operator Coach Award. When the opportunity came to become an Operator in Lenior, Mike, his wife, Jessica and their young daughter, Shelby Grace jumped at the opportunity. They look forward to being close to family and serving their guests in the Lenoir community.

Children’s Book Drive
Reflecting on the desire to have a positive impact on his community, Sheley is inviting his First 100 guests and restaurant customers to celebrate the new location by participating in a children’s new and gently used book drive. Sheley will be collecting books between 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, and will be donating to a local elementary school. The donated books will be placed in a nearly 3-foot Book House to serve as a free library exchange. The Book House, built from reclaimed wood, is donated by the Chick-fil-A Foundation (www.chick-fil-afoundation.org). Since 2014, Chick-fil-A has collected more than 33.500 books which were donated to 186 local organizations in 42 states and Washington, D.C.

Restaurant Details
The new Lenoir Chick-fil-A restaurant features:

• heritage restaurant design that showcases handmade, authentic materials for a vintage-inspired interior, including a large gathering table made from reclaimed wood, subway tiles, and light fixtures made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles and peach baskets.

• two-story interactive indoor play area for children and free Wi-Fi.

• drive-thru service expanded to offer dual drive-thru ordering lanes and screens to enable customers to move quickly into a single lane for payment and pickup.

• full-service menu, including breakfast until 10:30 a.m., and will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Like all Chick-fil-A locations, they will be closed on Sunday.

Chick-fil-A in North Carolina
Chick-fil-A’s first restaurant in North Carolina opened in January 1969 at Burlington Square Mall in Burlington. The Smith Crossroads and Waverly grand openings will bring the total number of Chick-fil-A restaurants to 151 in North Carolina. The two new locations are among 102 Chick-fil-A locations opening this year across the country, creating some 9,000 new jobs. Find more information on the Smith Crossroads Chick-fil-A restaurant at https://www.facebook.com/chickfilasmithcrossroads/.

About Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a family owned and privately held restaurant company founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. Devoted to serving the local communities in which its franchised restaurants operate, and known for its original chicken sandwich, Chick-fil-A serves freshly prepared food in more than 2,103 restaurants in 45 states and Washington, D.C.
For more information about Chick-fil-A and stories about the company’s food, people and customers across the country, visit www.chick-fil-a.com.