185 Camp Out At Forest Hill Chick-fil-A

The parking lot was packed the day before its Thursday grand opening—not with cars, but with tents.

Linda Garner, Chick-Fil-A marketing team member, said Wednesday afternoon there were about 185 campers and their guests on eatery's parking lot.

"There were a whole bunch of people when we got here at 5:30 this morning," Garner said.

Garner explained this kind of turnout is business as usual for a grand opening. Attendees are given breakfast, lunch and dinner from Chick-Fil-A.

"We do this at every opening Chick-Fil-A has," Garner said.

One surprise came from a local business. A Zumba class from nearby Method MMA joined the party Wednesday, with instructor Nick Lundeen taking his class and his music to the parking lot.

Pat Semanie, age 19, and his friend Ian Carter, age 20, both of Bel Air, were staked out on the sidewalk Wednesday after arriving around 5:30 a.m.

The young men said simply that they were there for the free chicken—and for the experience.

Chick-Fil-A gives away coupons for one year of free meals to the first 100 people at their grand openings.

Semanie said he decided two weeks ago that he wanted to be among the first 100 people at the Forest Hill location.

The parking lot was not only filled with local folks, but also dedicated Chick-Fil-A supporters.

Libby and Jake Knupp, of Gulfport, FL, have travelled around the country for Chick-Fil-A grand openings.

"This is number 91 in five years of grand openings," Libby Knupp said.

She said the owner told her that number was a record.

"We are striving dilligently for 100," Libby Knupp said.