Celebration Includes Free Year Supply of Meals to First 100 Adults in Line and Children’s Book Drive Benefitting Salinas Elementary
Texas Border Business
PALMHURST, Texas (May 18, 2017) – Texas native and new franchise Chick-fil-A owner Dr. Joe Gonzalez opens the metro area’s second Chick-fil-A location within eight weeks on May 18 in Palmhurst, and will add 100 new jobs and celebrate with a community children’s book drive and First 100 event where 100 eligible adults in line will receive a free year of Chick-fil-A meals.
The grand opening events at the new restaurant located at 214 East Mile 3 North Road, will officially get under way on May 17. A family friendly overnight First 100 party will pop up in the restaurant parking lot 24 hours before the grand opening as guests try to be one of the first 100 adults through the door to win a year of free Chick-fil-A meals. This community event is open to guests residing in specific zip codes surrounding the restaurant. A list of eligible zip codes and rules can be found at https://thechickenwire.chick-fil-a.com/News/Future-Openings.
The Chick-fil-A First 100
A tradition going back more than 13 years, Chick-fil-A’s First 100 celebration has given away more than $31 million through 2016 and continues to be the chain’s signature grand opening event. Rain, snow and extreme temperatures below zero or above 100 do not deter Chick-fil-A fans who arrive with tents, chairs, TVs and computers.
Each participant hopes 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 around 5:30 a.m. on May 18. If more than 100 people are onsite when the line officially begins at 6 a.m. on May 17, a drawing will be held to randomly select the First 100. Those chosen will be required to camp out until the grand opening in order to secure their spot.
About Franchise Operator Joe Gonzalez
Becoming a Chick-fil-A Operator is no small feat with the company receiving some 24,000 applications yearly for approximately 100 franchise opportunities. Following 18 years in education, Gonzalez began the search for a new opportunity where he could serve others and grow within the community. His servant leadership qualities embody the values and vision of Chick-fil-A – creating a desire to be a part of the company. After three years of pursuing to become an Operator, Gonzalez’s dream can true when he was selected last November as the Operator of the new Palmhurst location.
“I am looking forward to making my new stand-alone location a place where my team and I can make a positive impact not only within my restaurant but also in the community,” said Gonzalez whose extensive education includes earning a bachelor’s in Bilingual English, a master’s in Ed Diagnostician and a doctorate in leadership. “My family, team and I are looking forward to providing a remarkable experience to each of our guests by serving handcrafted food, with healthy options, in a warm, hospitable environment.”
Children’s Book Drive
With a decades-long passion for serving the Palmhurst-McAllen community, Gonzalez is bringing that same commitment to his new restaurant. He will celebrate the opening by holding a children’s book drive during grand opening week for Salinas Elementary. The donated books will serve as a free library exchange and will be placed in a nearly 3-foot Book House built from reclaimed wood. Since 2014, Chick-fil-A has collected more than 41,177 books which were donated to 241 local organizations in 43 states and Washington, D.C.
Restaurant Details
The 5,000-square-foot Palmhurst Chick-fil-A restaurant features a:
- Heritage restaurant design that showcases handmade, 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.
- Two-story interactive indoor play area for children and free Wi-Fi.
- Chick-fil-A One mobile ordering parking spot and dual drive-thru ordering lanes and screens to enable customers to move quickly into a single lane for payment and pickup.
- Combined dining room and outdoor seating for 152.
- Full-service menu that includes a variety of healthy options and breakfast until 10:30 a.m., and will be open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Like all Chick-fil-A locations, it will be closed on Sunday to provide a day of rest and time with family and friends for team members.
Chick-fil-A in Palmhurst
With the metro area’s first Chick-fil-A opening 35 years ago in La Plaza Mall in McAllen, the Palmhurst Chick-fil-A is one of potentially 30 new restaurants scheduled to be built in Texas this year. The opening comes on the heels of the 27th & Nolana location which opened in March in McAllen. Both openings are part of the 102 Chick-fil-A locations scheduled to open in 2017 across the country, creating more than 9,000 new jobs with nearly a third of those in Texas alone.
