Chick-fil-A to open Nov. 14 in Seal Beach

Seal Beach’s first Chick-fil-A restaurant will open Nov.14, bringing more than 65 new jobs and the chance for 100 adults to win free Chick-fil-A meals for a year as the chain reaches the 10th anniversary of its signature grand opening celebration.

Chick-fil-A’s “First 100” event, which began as a way to celebrate the first stand-alone Chick-fil-A in Arizona in 2003, immediately became the cornerstone of every Chick-fil-A grand opening when the first person arrived more than 18 hours the day before, wondering where to get in line.

Others soon followed and by the time the restaurant opened for business the next day, more than 100 were waiting.

Humbled and surprised by the dedication of its fans, Chick-fil-A quickly implemented the “First 100” at every grand opening and in the past 10 years has given away more than $18 million in free food at almost 700 grand openings.

An additional $2.5 million is planned to be given away at 114 grand openings this year.

The new Seal Beach restaurant at 12101 Seal Beach Blvd. will be the scene of the latest Chick-fil-A grand opening celebration.

The first 100 adults, ages 18 and older with identification, in line when the doors open about 6 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, each will win a one-year supply of free Chick-fil-A Meals (52 coupons with each consisting of a Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, medium Waffle Potato Fries and a medium drink) – a total of more than $30,000 in free food.

The line officially opens at 6 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13, with the free meal cards being awarded Thursday, Nov. 14, about 6 a.m.

The restaurant will open for business immediately thereafter.

If there are more than 100 people by 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, all 100 spots will be determined by a drawing held that morning with those selected needing to camp out to secure their spot.

For complete rules, see Chick-fil-A First 100 Promotion atwww.chick-fil-a.com/Locations/First-100.

For 10 years, Chick-fil-A has hosted the parking lot parties, providing security, entertainment and, of course, plenty of Chick-fil-A to its dedicated fans who often arrive more than 24 hours in advance prepared with TVs, computers, tents, games and other gear to make their stay more comfortable. Over the past decade, the First 100 Celebrations have been the backdrop for family reunions, girls’ nights out, birthday celebrations, college study parties and several marriage proposals as people come from around the corner or across the country to be part of the festivities.

Scott Carr, has been selected as operator/owner of the new Shops at Rossmoor Chick-fil-A. Carr grew up in Mission Viejo and attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, after high school.

Upon returning to Orange County in 2009, Scott became an NROTC instructor at the University of Southern California. Carr, his wife Megan and their seven-month-old son are looking forward to serving the Seal Beach community.

“Our focus on freshly prepared food and personal customer service is as central to our new restaurant as it was the day Truett opened his first Chick-fil-A location,” said Carr. “That commitment continues for me and my team members at our new Shops at Rossmoor location where we can’t wait to welcome and serve our guests.”

The new restaurant seats 111 with additional outdoor seating and has warm colors and wood accents and an interactive play area for children. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., serving a full breakfast menu until 10:30 a.m. The restaurant is closed on Sunday.