Look for a Party in the Chick-fil-A Parking Lot Wednesday

Want to win free  meals for a year? You can get in line as early as 6 a.m. Wednesday for a chance.

The "First 100 Celebration" will usher in the opening of Strongsville's new free-standing Chick-fil-A restaurant, with when it opens at 6 a.m. Thursday winning a one-year supply (52 certificates) of Chick-fil-A meals.

Franchise owner Brian Wellman said he expects a great time.

"It's just a fun atmosphere," Wellman said. "We have activities during the night, and we serve them breakfast."

He and his wife, Vicki, have hired about 80 people to work at the new fast-food eatery, which will include a drive-through and an indoor play area for kids.

The parking lot parties typically draw fans from miles around, who bring tents, couches, TVs and other gear, often 24 hours in advance.

The line at the new restaurant, 16584 Royalton Rd., officially opens at 6 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11, with the free meal cards being awarded Thursday, Jan. 12, sometime between 6 and 6:10 a.m. 

The restaurant will be open for business right afterward.

If there are more than 100 people by 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, all 100 spots will be determined by a raffle. See http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Locations/First-100 for complete rules.  

But Wait, There's More

Just in time for the Strongsville opening, Chick-fil-A has introduced two new menu choices.

• Chicken Tortilla Soup -- Through March 31, it will offer this new soup, made with shredded boneless breast of chicken, navy, northern and black beans in a white creamy base with a blend of vegetables and a variety of spices, and topped with seasoned corn tortilla strips. 

• Grilled Chicken Nuggets in Kids' Meals -- Six nuggets contain 110 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. The restaurant, which already offers a fruit cup as a side dish in kids' meals, is also introducing Buddy Fruits applesauce. And it is changing its drink line for kids' meals to include only 1 percent milk, apple juice, water or its signature lemonade.