Line Forming at Chick-Fil-A 24 Hours Before It Opens

Individuals began pitching tents and waiting in line for the grand opening of the new Framingham restaurant on Wednesday morning.

The new restaurant will officially open on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 a.m. There was a VIP event on Monday and a media event today.

Framingham’s first Chick-fil-A restaurant, and the third franchise in Eastern Massachusetts, features a design using hand-made, 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.

Dining room with seating for 126 people, including a 2-story indoor play area for children

There is drive-thru service.

The restaurant will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and, as like all Chick-fil-A locations, will be closed on Sunday. The local franchise is owned and managed by Mark Parker, a Clinton resident.

Those pitching tents and waiting in line at the Shoppers World location already on Wednesday morning, are trying to be one of the first 100 adults through the door to win a year of Chick-fil-A meals.

This community event is open to adults residing in specific zip codes surrounding the restaurant. A complete listing of eligible zip codes and rules can be found on Chick-fil-A’s website.

Each is hoping 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 Thursday, Feb. 18. If more than 100 people are onsite when the line officially opens at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, a drawing will be held to randomly select the First 100. Those chosen will be required to camp out until the grand opening

“My team members and I can’t wait to welcome our guests,” said Parker, who will be distributing upwards of 9,000 Chick-fil-A sandwiches throughout the community the weekend prior to the grand opening. “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.”

Reflecting his desire to quickly have a positive impact on the surrounding community, Parker is inviting all First
100 participants and customers to contribute to a book drive for United Way of Tri-County’s Ready to Read Program to celebrate the new location.

Parker is collecting new and gently used children’s books, appropriate through age five, from now through Thursday, Feb. 18.

A digital offer card for a free menu item will be given, while supplies last, to each person as a thank you for donating books. The donated books will be placed in a nearly three-foot Book House to serve as a free library exchange for the Ready to Read Program. The Book House, built Chick-fil-A Foundation. Last year, Chick-fil-A collected more than 10,000 books from communities coast to coast, which were donated to 89 local organizations in 30 states and Washington, D.C.

Parker is actively hiring 110 full- and part-time team members at his restaurant with benefits including scholarships for continuing education, Sundays off and opportunities for career advancement. Accepting all positions, including key leadership and management positions, applications are available in person or online.

There are locations in Waltham, Burlington, and Westborough within driving distance to Framingham now.