Local franchise owner/Operator Brad Norris will open Lubbock’s newest stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurant on June 2, bringing 90 new jobs, a chance for 100 adults to win free Chick-fil-A meals for a year and the opportunity for the local community to donate books to the Lubbock Boys and Girls Club.

The family-friendly overnight party is expected to pop up in the parking lot of the new restaurant at 8301 University Ave., 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 complete listing of eligible zip codes and rules can be found at www.chick-fil-a.com/Locations/Openings.

“My team members and I can’t wait to welcome our guests,” said Norris. “We’re not just in the chicken business —we’re in the people business. Our goal is to provide a remarkable experience for every customer, every time, by serving food our guests can truly feel good about eating, providing sincere hospitality and being a good neighbor in the Lubbock community.”

The Chick-fil-A First 100
A tradition going back more than 12 years, Chick-fil-A’s First 100 celebration has given away nearly
$27 million in free food through 2015 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, computers and other gear.

Each is hoping 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 when the doors open around 6 a.m. on Thursday, June 2. If more than 100 people are onsite when the line officially opens at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1, a drawing will be held to randomly select the First 100. Those chosen will be required to camp out until the grand opening to secure their spot.

About Brad Norris
Becoming a Chick-fil-A Operator is no small feat. The company receives some 24,000 applications yearly for approximately 100 franchise opportunities. Norris began his Chick-fil-A journey in high school as a team member at the Franklin Avenue location in Waco, Texas. He loved his job so much that while studying marketing at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, he drove 45 minutes each way to continue working at the restaurant. Having already worked in the restaurant industry for a competitor who recognized him as a top employee, Norris was attracted to Chick-fil-A’s business and service model.

Seeing an opportunity to grow even further with Chick-fil-A, Norris worked as interim manager where he led team members at five different locations across the country. In 2013, Norris’ hard work and commitment earned him the opportunity to become the franchise Operator of the Midland Park Mall location. After three years of success and falling in love with Lubbock during visits with an Operator friend in the community, Norris and his family are excited to now call Lubbock home.

Children’s Book Drive
Reflecting his desire to quickly have a positive impact on the surrounding community, Norris is inviting all First 100 participants and customers to celebrate the new location by participating in a book drive for the Lubbock Boys and Girls Club. Norris is collecting new and gently used children’s books from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, and from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 2-3. The books will be placed in a nearly three-foot Book House to serve as a free library exchange at Lubbock Boys and Girls Club. The Book House, built from reclaimed wood, is donated by the Chick-fil-A Foundation. Last year, Chick-fil-A collected more than 10,000 books from communities coast to coast, which were donated to 89 local organizations in 30 states and Washington, D.C.

Restaurant Details
The new 82nd and University Avenue Chick-fil-A restaurant features a:

  • heritage, LEED certified restaurant design that showcases hand-made, 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.
  • drive-thru service expanded to offer dual drive-thru ordering lanes and screens to enable customers to quickly move into a single lane for payment and pick up.
  • 4,984 square-foot dining room with seating for 136 and additional outdoor patio seating.
  • design with elements to improve water conservation and energy efficiency and back of house recycling of cardboard and cooking oil.
  • full-service menu, including breakfast until 10:30 a.m. and will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Like all Chick-fil-A locations, it will be closed on Sunday.

Chick-fil-A in Lubbock
The new 82nd and University Avenue Chick-fil-A location marks the eighth restaurant in metro Lubbock, coming more than 40 years after the chain opened its first Texas restaurant at Corpus Christi’s La Palmera Mall in 1970. It is one of approximately 23 locations Chick-fil-A is planning to open in the state this year. The openings are among 95 new restaurants across the country, creating some 8,000 new jobs nationwide with more than a quarter of those in Texas alone this year.

For more information on the new 82nd and University Avenue Chick-fil-A restaurant, find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CFA82ndandUniversity/.

About Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a family owned and privately held restaurant company founded in 1964 by S. Truett Cathy. Devoted to serving the local communities in which its franchised restaurants operate, and known for its original chicken sandwich, Chick-fil-A serves freshly prepared food in more than 2,017 restaurants in 43 states and Washington, D.C.

Chick-fil-A system sales exceeded $6 billion in 2015, which marks 47 consecutive years of sales growth. Chick-fil-A ranked first for customer satisfaction in the Limited Service Restaurants industry according to the 2015 American Customer Satisfaction Index and received the highest ACSI score ever in the industry. The company was also recognized in 2015 as America’s “Top Chicken Restaurant Brand” by The Harris Poll and the only restaurant brand named to the Top 10 “Best Companies to Work For” by 24/7 Wall Street. More information on Chick-fil-A is available on the chain’s website located at www.chick-fil-a.com. 

(News release from Chick-fil-A)