The Chick-fil-A® restaurant chain and its Eat Mor Chikin® Cows will do their part to “boooost” and support the local economy with the opening of La Plata's first stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurant on Thursday, July 16, with the celebration to include the giving away of more than $26,000 in free food and creating more than 65 new jobs.

Chick-fil-A will award a one-year supply of free Chick-fil-A Meals (52 certificates) to each of the first 100 adults in line, age 18 and older with identification, at the restaurant located at 107 Drury Drive. The line officially begins forming up to 24 hours before the grand opening with the prizes being awarded Thursday, July 16, sometime between 6 a.m. and 6:10 a.m. The restaurant will open for business immediately thereafter.

Despite the country facing challenging economic times, Chick-fil-A continues to grow. The company announced in early July its plans to add an additional five new stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurants this year.

One way Chick-fil-A thanks its most loyal customers is by giving away more than $26,000 in free food as part of its “First 100” promotion at each grand opening. Chick-fil-A’s raving fans often come from hours away, bringing tents, computers, furniture, games and even swimming pools to participate in the event which was launched nearly six years ago to celebrate the opening of the chain’s first stand-alone restaurant in Arizona.

“Since that first person pulled up in our parking lot in 2003 and asked where to get in line, we’ve given away more than $9.1 million in free Chick-fil-A food at our stand-alone grand openings,” said Cathy, who has camped out at more than 90 of the events across the country and will join the campers in La Plata.

"We’re flattered that our new customers think enough of our food and our service that they are willing to brave snow, wind, rain and triple-digit temperatures to help us celebrate each new Chick-fil-A opening year round. Plus, it’s just lots of fun.”

The Chick-fil-A on Drury Drive features a 4,227-square-foot interior that seats 142 and has warm colors and wood accents as well as an indoor play area for children that includes an interactive section for toddlers and a convenient, award-winning drive-thru. The new restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., serving a full breakfast menu until 10:30 a.m.

A convenient way for Chick-fil-A customers to get their favorite Chick-fil-A menu items on the go at the new restaurant is the award-winning drive-thru. In 2008, Chick-fil-A was named Best Drive-Thru in America by QSR magazine for the fifth time.  After a three-month industry study of 25 quick-service restaurants, Chick-fil-A topped the annual industry survey which measures order accuracy, speed of service, menu board appearance and speaker clarity.