Hundreds Camped Outside 1st Chick-Fil-A Set To Open In Baltimore City

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It doesn't open until Thursday, but that hasn't stopped more than 200 people from camping out on a shopping center parking lot on Boston Street.

Ron Matz reports it's all about the chicken at the new Canton Crossing.

They come from everywhere and they get there early. The tents are up at the new Chick-Fil-A in Canton Crossing. Many have done this before.

"This is my 49th time. I am a Chick-Fil-A fanatic," said Eleanor Wagoner. "I am one of the first 100 and I will get a gift card with 52 meals for a year. I'm from Elkton in Cecil County."

It's the chance for the first 100 guests to win free Chick-Fil-A for a year. But for some, it's much more.

"This is my 7th time. I got here at 5:30 this morning. It's so much fun, it really is. They have a deejay, they play games, they feed you all day. It's a community," said Innocence Belo from Newark, Delaware.

Amanda Butler is the owner of the new store.

"It's incredibly exciting. You're always a little nervous about how many people will show up, but there were plenty of people here this morning," Butler said. "They're excited. The community's excited. They've been waiting a long time for this Chick-Fil-A and we're just thrilled to be a part of the community now."

They're also collecting toys for pets to benefit the BARCS animal shelter.

"If we can do one small thing to help BARCS, we're happy to do it. We're asking guests to come with toys for pets, ping pong balls, chew toys, feather toys and things like that," said Butler.

This is the 25th store to open in Canton Crossing and it will bring 90 new jobs.

"We're targeting to hire about 90 people. We're actually still hiring. We're thrilled to be bringing jobs to the community. I'm just happy to be a part of it," Butler said.

And for first timers, a new fast food spin.

"It's an experience, you meet a lot of people," said Sherri Floystad. "We have a lot of fun here."

The Canton Chick-Fil-A is the chain's first location in Baltimore City. Doors open Friday at 6 a.m.

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