They'll be lining up all night

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by Jeff Saunders

Reporter

Macedonia -- When his Chick-Fil-A franchise opens its doors for business at 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 7, owner Dan Stanko said he expects a crowd to be waiting.

Stanko said this is because the first 100 people to show up will receive a wrist band and if they are still there at the start of business, they will receive coupons for one free Chick-Fil-A combo meal per week for a year. But those eager for the free food will have to show some tenacity.

"Some people show up 24 hours in advance," he said. "They show up with tents and some, depending on the weather, they bring heaters, though I don't think they'll need those at this time of year."

After two years as owner of a Chick-Fil-A in Strongsville, Stanko is giving up that franchise to own the newly built Macedonia franchise on the southwest corner of routes 8 and 82 in the Crossings at Golden Link shopping center.

"It's best, I think, to concentrate on one restaurant, especially if it's a new one," he said.

The new restaurant had grand opening festivities Aug. 6, with Mayor Don Kuchta cutting the ribbon. As of July 30, Stanko said he had more than 40 employees as young as 15 signed up, but wants to hire as many as 70.

"I'm looking for happy, smiling people to work here," he said. "I can't say I don't care about prior experience. But we can train people to do what they need to do. You can't train people to be nice."

The menu includes a variety of items, including salads, wraps, breakfast fare, desserts and, of course, the chicken sandwiches that have made Chick-Fil-A famous. The restaurant also includes a children's play area.

Stanko said he decided to make the move because a freestanding restaurant, such as the one in Macedonia, has advantages over one in a mall, as his former one is. This includes a drive-thru and an increased ability to make the restaurant available for community groups.

Chick-Fil-A will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and is closed Sundays.

E-mail: jsaunders@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3169