Watch CBS News

Chick-Fil-A Fanatics Brave Snow, Wind For Elmhurst Grand Opening

ELMHURST, Ill. (CBS) -- The steady snow and wind overnight didn't stop about 20 people from setting up camp outside the newest local Chick-Fil-A restaurant, 24 hours ahead of Thursday's grand opening in Elmhurst.

WBBM Newsradio's Mike Krauser reports Brian, from Addison, has been in line for a new Chick-Fil-A before.

"Never with the snow and the wind. This is a little bit insane," he said.

The 34-year-old was camped out with his wife, a tent, a propane stove, and lots of sleeping bags.

"You know, there's one thing that surprised me about this. I thought there'd be a lot of younger guys out here doing this, but you want to know what? At 34, I'm one of the youngest people here," he said.

Brian said there's a Chick-Fil-A opening subculture of sorts.

"One guy says him and his wife, this is their 22nd, and they've been doing this for years," he said.

That wife, 60-year-old Heidi from Naperville, said she's surrounded by friends she made at other Chick-Fil-A openings.

"There's nothing like an opening when there's 6 to 8 inches of snow on the ground, and friends all around. It's just a lot of fun," she said.

The first 100 people in line get 52 free meals at Chick-Fil-A – one each week for a year.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.