LAYTON -- A family that camps together, eats Chick-fil-A together. At least for the next year. The Doolhoff family was among the 240 campers who pitched their tents Wednesday morning in the parking lot of the new Chick-fil-A at 641 W. Antelope Drive.
If the Roy family stays there until 6 a.m. today, they will get their fill of chicken sandwiches for an entire year.
"I may have to give some of mine away to other family members," said Yvonne Doolhoff, 51.
The restaurant gives away 52 meal vouchers to each of its first 100 customers as part of the celebration surrounding today's opening of the newest Chick-fil-A location.
Because more than 100 people showed up bright and early Wednesday morning, staff members drew 110 names. The first 100 names are guaranteed a spot in line when the doors open. The 10 extras were singled out in case some of the first 100 leave the parking lot before the restaurant opens.
The parking lot party is the biggest for any Utah store, said Cindi Pickett, of CP Communications Inc., a public relations firm for Chick-fil-A.
It drew loyal customers from miles around. Some came equipped with couches, televisions, computers and tents, while others played board games and still others participated in group games led by event staff.
Christopher Doolhoff, 25, was the first one drawn in the lottery, and his mother, Yvonne, was number 100.
"I had to look at my ticket a couple of times to make sure it was me," Christopher said.
Between numbers 1 and 100, Christopher's father, Daniel, 49, had his number picked in the lottery, as did Christopher's 18-year-old brother, Matthew.
Christopher's wife, Chelsie, 23, was not lucky enough to have her number drawn, but she spent the day in the parking lot anyway.
"It's just fun and something we can do as a family," Yvonne said.
Among the campers were a few out-of-staters.
A few months ago, Debbie Caldwell, 57, from Green Leaf, Idaho, planned a trip to Colorado. She wanted to stop in Layton during the trip to visit her niece, Lisa Bowland, 33. Bowland suggested that her aunt come in time for the parking lot party.
"I've never eaten at a Chick-fil-A," Caldwell said. "The closest one is in Boise, which is about 30 miles away from my home."
The new Layton restaurant features the first multi-ordering drive-through Chick-fil-A system in the state.
The inside area seats 130 and includes free Wi-Fi and an indoor play area featuring an interactive section for toddlers.
"It's been a long time coming," said owner-operator Craig Saxton, who previously owned and operated the Chic-fil-A at Layton Hills Mall. "I'm just tickled."
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