Joe's Crab Shack Officially Opens

More than 150 people were standing in the chilly January air Monday awaiting their .

The restaurant, located in the in Abingdon, officially opened its doors Monday with a ribbon-cutting and a waiting crowd.

About 150 people were standing in line outside the restaurant shortly after the 11 a.m. ribbon cutting.

"Some people were here as early as 12 p.m. yesterday," Brian Saunders said.

Saunders was taking song requests and performing for those in line, along with Kevin Kelton, Bruce Mulford and "Skull." The group, which had been hired as entertainment for the opening, dubbed themselves the "Joe's Crab Shack Band."

They had been standing outside talking and singing to customers since before doors opened.

One woman standing near the front of the line around 11:20 a.m. said she had been in line for about three hours.

"I had a babysitter and I had nothing else to do today and I love free stuff," said Kristin McDavid of Abingdon.

The first 100 guests received vouchers for a free 

McDavid said she was the 100th person in line and said she enjoys the challenge involved in being among the first to visit the restaurant.

"If I've got a year's worth of free crab, I will definitely be back," McDavid said.

Janae Mitchell of Joppa said she and her family had been waiting in line for about an hour.

"I wanted to dance," Mitchell said, "And just the excitement of it."

Once an hour, staff members show off their dance moves and invite guests to get in a festive spirit.