People camp out for chicken in Kildeer
The parking lot outside Kildeer's new Chick-fil-A restaurant was turned into an impromptu campground and recreation area Wednesday ahead of Thursday's opening.
Tents filled the lot at 20429 North Rand Road, set up by people who wanted to win free meals by being the first 100 customers in line.
The tent city's occupants read, played games, tossed balls around and ate free meals while waiting for the popular restaurant to open.
Among them were Bill and Sue Brandel of Schaumburg. It was the 12th time they've camped out for a Chick-fil-A opening, catching nearly every one in the Chicago area.
“We've only missed a couple,” Bill Brandel said. “It helps when the weather is nice like this.”
The lucky campers will receive gift cards good for 52 sandwiches. They can get them all at once if they want to, or spread them out over a year.
Chick-fil-A's “First 100” celebration has been the restaurant chain's signature grand opening event since 2003. Many participants line up 24 hours in advance of the store openings for a chance to win the coveted prize.
The Kildeer Chick-fil-A restaurant is the 31st in Illinois and the last of five Illinois openings planned for 2014, a company news release said.
It's the second Chick-fil-A restaurant in Lake County. The other one is in Vernon Hills.