Eagle Pass’ First Chick-fil-A Restaurant Opening Oct. 20; Creating Upwards of 85 New Jobs
(Press Release) EAGLE PASS, TX – Franchise owner Juan Garza will open Eagle Pass’ first stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurant on Oct. 20, bringing 85 new jobs, a chance for 100 adults to win free Chick-fil-A meals for a year and the opportunity for the community to donate children’s books to the Boys and Girls Club of Eagle Pass.
The family-friendly overnight First 100 party is expected to pop up in the restaurant parking lot at 635 South Bibb Avenue, 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.
The Chick-fil-A First 100
A tradition going back nearly 13 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 fans who arrive with tents, chairs, TVs, computers and other gear.
Each fan 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 at 6 a.m. on October 20. If more than 100 people are onsite when the line officially opens at 6 a.m. on October 19, a drawing will be held to select the First 100. Those chosen will be required to camp out until the grand opening in order to secure their spot.
“My team members and I can’t wait to welcome our guests,” said Garza. “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 Eagle Pass community.”
Children’s Book Drive
Reflecting his desire to have a positive impact on the surrounding community, Garza is inviting his First 100 guests and restaurant customers to celebrate the new location by participating in a children’s book drive for the Boys and Girls Club of Eagle Pass. Garza is collecting new and gently used children’s books on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 20 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The donated books will be placed in a nearly 3-foot Book House to serve as a free library exchange. The Book House, built from reclaimed wood, is donated by the Chick-fil-A Foundation (http://www.chick-fil-afoundation.org/). Last year with the help of communities from coast to coast, Chick-fil-A collected more than 10,000 books, which were donated to 89 local organizations in 30 states and Washington, D.C.
Restaurant Details
The new Eagle Pass Chick-fil-A restaurant features a:
- restaurant design using 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.
- dining room with seating for 115 and 27 additional outdoor patio seats.
- full-service menu including breakfast until 10:30 a.m., and will be open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Like all Chick-fil-A locations, it will be closed on Sunday.
About Franchise Operator Juan Garza
Garza comes to Chick-fil-A following 11 combined years in education and ministry. Upon graduating with a degree in kinesiology in 2002 from Texas A&M University in College Station, Garza pursued an opportunity to serve in his hometown in Laredo, Texas as a teacher and administrator. As an educator, Garza simultaneously pursued his ambition to complete his master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in international business. His passion to serve others led the way for him to accept a full-time position as an executive pastor at his home church from 2011-2014.
Through the course of those years, Garza had many conversations with friends, family and Chick-fil-A Operators regarding a possible career with Chick-fil-A. In the summer of 2014, Garza accepted a position as the director of operations under the leadership of Tyler Haile in Schertz, Texas. Garza’s wife, Jacqueline, also partnered with him as the assistant marketing director and operations team leader.
In those short years, Garza has been selected as the Operator of the first Eagle Pass Chick-fil-A restaurant which is no small feat. The company receives some 24,000 applications yearly for approximately 100 franchise opportunities.
He, his wife Jacqueline, and their three children are thrilled to serve the Eagle Pass community.
Chick-fil-A in Eagle Pass
The new Eagle Pass Chick-fil-A location marks the first free-standing restaurant in the area and is part of the 95 locations opening across the country creating some 8,000 new jobs. For more information on the Eagle Pass Chick-fil-A restaurant, visit www.chick-fil-a.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cfaeaglepass.
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, 075 restaurants in 43 states and Washington, D.C.
Chick-fil-A system sales exceeded $6 billion in 2015, which marks 48 consecutive years of sales growth. Chick-fil-A earned a top spot in the 2016 Customer Service Hall of Fame for the third year in a row and is the only quick service restaurant chain to make the top five of the Customer Service Hall of Fame. The company was also 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.
