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Ridiculous - Is a free sandwich worth this much?

By John Cannata

Mortgage and Lending with 214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com NMLS # 322646

November 20, 2008 02:07 PM

Yesterday, my wife (Andrea) and I had lunch together. Typically, we are unable to have lunch because she is caught up in meetings or can't take a full hour (the life of a VP). Anyway, we thought some chicken sandwiches sounded good. And of course if you think Chicken Sandwich, you have to think of Chick-fila. Well there is a new Chick-fila coming to Frisco, TX. We were not sure when it was opening, but thought it would be a good idea to check it out. Usually when anything opens in Frisco, it is PACKED with people. But hey, we love to support the new local restaurants and a chicken sandwich from there is always good.

When we arrived, we were not surprised that we missed the opening BY ONE DAY. It actually opened today (11/20/08). We were, however, surprised to see this very large crowd. Not just a crowd... this was a crowd with tents. Remember, I went on 11/19 and it did not open until 11/20. I figured there must be someone important coming or something to give a speech. NOPE! Turns out that the first few customers that arrived would receive a free meal once a week for a year.

Sure, if you happen to be the first person to show up.. BONUS.. you get free lunch for a year (we are talking about a $5.50 meal). But posting tents and sleeping overnight... I don't think so. Check out the photos I took while driving by...

Would you camp out for a free sandwich once a week?

Chick-Fila is officially open. They are located on the SouthWest corner of El Dorado and North Dallas Tollway. Remember, they are closed Sundays so make sure to go Monday through Saturday.

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Erik Hitzelberger

RE/MAX Alliance - Louisville REALTOR-Luxury Homes - Louisville, KY

Louisville - Middletown Real Estate

While I'm not quite that hard up. I do agree with Larry that they certainly know how to generate a buzz. In addition to the PR, everone of those 100 people is going to tell every person they know about Chick-fil-A and the experience.

Nov 20, 2008 02:43 PM

Richard Weeks

Dallas, TX

REALTOR®, Broker

John,

It is a cult thing. Actually this year a guy dressed up like a cow proposed to his girlfriend she was surprised and did say yes.

Nov 20, 2008 11:49 PM

Loreena and Michael Yeo

3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX

Real Estate Agents

I have been waiting for this store to open. Nope, I didn't know it, otherwise I WOULD be the first in line. LOL. Thanks for letting me know.

Nov 21, 2008 12:11 AM

JL Boney, III

Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC Real Estate

There are very few things that I deem worth camping out over, and chicken sandwiches aren't one of them.

Nov 21, 2008 04:38 AM

Karen Otto

Home Star Staging - Plano, TX

Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes

No sandwich is worth a night in a tent in a parking lot! But it's quite a gimmick and it looks like there were many who'd do something for chicken! I say they're good but not THAT good. Thanks for sharing John.

Nov 21, 2008 07:00 AM

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS

Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA

South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

John, Chick-fila is foreign to us in Washington so I'll have to pass on any judgment. Someday I will partake in the pleasure.

Nov 21, 2008 03:45 PM

Wayne Warshawsky

RE/MAX Four Corners - McKinney, TX

Realtor, ABR,IRES,CDPE,SFR Your Texas

I can see my tent in your picture! Woo Hoo!

Nov 22, 2008 01:20 AM

Linda Breeding

Keller Williams Realty - Pinehurst, NC

Nope don't think I would pitch a tent for a chicken sandwich every week - heck I don't even want a chicken sandwich every week! Now here comes my number crunching...........that means it would be worth about $300 or so in chicks! Now to pitch a tent for 48 hours for that amount......that's less than making minimum wage.

Nov 22, 2008 04:32 AM

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS

Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA

South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

John, How come you changed your picture again. I thought the desk picture was more at ease...

Nov 22, 2008 03:08 PM

John Cannata

214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX

Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

Kristin - We actually ended up going across the street to Market Street. They have a nice cafe. Do you have Market Street in San Antonio?

Larry - I agree that it worked. You can't completely tell from my pictures, but there probably 80-100 tents in that parking lot. Is this promotion something that happens at every store? I didn't hear about it before hand so they found out somehow.

Very funny Jeff. I did think about sneaking down there around 6 am though and standing at the front of the line. No one said that could not happen. Needless to say, that didnt happen either. I waited until Friday to eat there.

Erik - I see your point (word of mouth) but Chick-fila has been around for a long time. Even if my friend told me about it today, I would still not wait for the other chick-fila's to open so I can stand in line for my free meal. I'm going to go because its chick-fila and I like their sandwich. Especially in Frisco... we love new places to eat. I don't think one family eats at home on Friday and Saturday.

Richard - Did that happen here? I didn't hear about that. Im no so sure I could do it. LOL

Nov 24, 2008 05:01 AM

John Cannata

214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX

Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

Loreena - Its been a week. Have you been yet? As of this weekend, they still had everyone there from corporate. Friday was not so bad.

JL - Im with you. I don't camp anyway. So, to pitch a tent for a sandwich is not for me.

Karen - I may do a few things for a sandwich. I am one of those that eats out quite a bit for lunch. Dinner is typically at home, but if I am in the office during the day, then I will eat out. That being said, Im not sure what I would do for free food... but camping in a parking lot is not one of them.

Paul - You are missing out on some good chicken sandwiches. Perhaps they will have them in Arizona while you are on vacation. If so, give it a try.

Wayne - I did see you there. Actually, I was even yelling your name so you could smile, but you kept ignoring me. Whats the story?

Linda - Thats funny. I didn't think about breaking down the numbers. I could eat a grilled chicken sandwich each week. What I am not sure about is if you get the same sandwich or can you switch it up. I don't think I would want the breaded sandwich each week. But hey... who knows... its free, right?

Paul - you came back. :-) Yes, I did change my picture. I figure with my AR account coming up on Google 1st page that I should look a little more professional. The other picture was fine, but a little too laid back. Perhaps I'll just take some others for a variety.

Nov 24, 2008 05:17 AM

Brenda Harmon

Century 21 Beal, Inc College Station, Texas - College Station, TX

John,

I wouldn't but I think the people that camp out for tickets, chicken or whatever also love the

camaraderie as much as anything.

Nov 25, 2008 04:45 PM

John Cannata

214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX

Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

I think you may be right Brenda. Something fun to do with friends in the lot and/or a place to meet people who also love chicken. :-)

Nov 26, 2008 01:30 AM

Richard Weeks

Dallas, TX

REALTOR®, Broker

John,

Yes it did happen at the one you went to. I saw it on the 10:00 news on chanel 5.

Dec 01, 2008 07:56 AM

John Cannata

214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX

Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

Hi Richard. It was crazy. I had never seen or heard or such an event for a Chick-fil-a.

Dec 01, 2008 09:08 AM

John Cannata

214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX

Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

Hi Richard. It was crazy. I had never seen or heard or such an event for a Chick-fil-a.

Dec 01, 2008 09:08 AM

Tony and Libby Kelly

Keller Williams Realty Portland Premiere - Lake Oswego, OR

CRS, ABR, ePro, SRES, CLHMS, CDPE

While it is a little nuts, a free sandwich every week would be pretty darn cool. So I guess if I had nothing better to do at that time, and the weather was good... sure why not.

Dec 01, 2008 09:33 AM

Linda Jandura

Raleigh Cary Realty - Apex, NC

Realtor, North Carolina Buyer & Seller Specialist

If you've ever eaten an undercooked cold Chik Fil A sandwich as I have, you would never go there again, much less camp overnight. People are crazy! Hope they gave them numbers so there's no stampede at the door.

Dec 01, 2008 09:41 AM

Steve Shatsky

Dallas, TX

Hi John... I am totally amused by this. The only thing that would have been funnier is if someone did the camping out dressed up like Colonel Sanders! :)

Dec 01, 2008 02:46 PM

John Cannata

214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX

Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

Tony and Libby - I am going to look for you the next time a Chick-fila opens. I think FREE is great, so I applaud them for marketing. But to stay out there for 24-48 hours for it... not for me.

Ewe Linda. I am happy to report that I have never had that issue. But I am sure I would be turned off to food there (or anywhere) that was undercooked and/or just not good.

Steve - I think that is a GREAT idea. Someone at KFC should have thought of it and showed up. I laughed pretty good when I read your response.

Dec 02, 2008 01:59 AM