Chick-fil-A opens new location in south Salisbury
Salisbury, Md. – Doors for the new Chick-fil-A location on 828 S Salisbury Blvd opened at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, but dozens of customers lined up well beforehand.
“We’ve been in line since 6 a.m., but my friend got here at 5:30 a.m.,” said 17-year-old Parkside High Schooler, Faith Dashiell. She had been waiting in line with her friend in their car but got out to take pictures in her cow onesie next to the giant blow-up cow by the Chick-fil-A street sign.
Arthur Williams, a Pittsville resident, had heard about the grand opening from his son and said he waited for doors to open since around 5:00 in the morning.
“I was one of the first customers here,” Ada Rogers, a Salisbury resident said. “I came in here and I was like, ‘oh, my goodness. I feel like I’m in heaven.'”
Some customers mentioned they had been waiting months for the new location to avoid driving to north Salisbury. Steve Gibson, the owner of the new Chick-fil-A location, said cars had started lining up since around 4:30 a.m.
“They’re lined up back into the street, we’re rolling through them as quick as we can,” he said. “Moods are great. Everyone’s super excited, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Gibson’s enthusiasm was mirrored by his customers.
“The line is long, inside it’s packed, but it’s a pleasure to be here,” Rogers said.
Some customers came for the food, especially if they were dressed as cows or had cow spots; they could get a free entrée. But the first 50 fans who ordered through the mobile app got some free goodies.
Dashiell said she and her friends got Chick-fil-A vouchers, cups, sunglasses, plushies, pens, magnets “and that was it.”
Williams said he also got a free Chick-fil-A cow plushie and cup.
In addition to food, for some, the day was a fun way to spend time with family. However, for Gibson, the day was about continuing a family legacy.
“This has been a dream come true,” Gibson said in an interview with WMDT during Good Morning Delmarva before doors opened on Thursday. “I’ve been working on this for a long time, so I’m excited to get you guys in our doors.”
Gibson said he had been part of the franchise since he was about four years old. His father, Rob, owns and operates the other two Chick-fil-A locations in Salisbury. He said his brothers, Matt and Brian, are also owners and operators of Chick-fil-A locations with operations in Easton, Md. and outside of Harrisburg, Pa.
“My dad helped build it. My brothers helped build it,” he said. “And now I’ve got Sara, my wife, Gabe, Gus and Grace. We’re going to be the next family to serve it here on the south side, so we’re super excited.”
