Local franchise owner Chris Loweth will open Brookfield’s newest stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurant on Thursday, March 23, bringing 120 new jobs to the area, a chance for 100 adults to win free Chick-fil-A meals for a year and for the community to donate children’s books to a local youth organization.

The grand opening events at the new restaurant at 1 N. Moorland Rd. in Brookfield will get under way on March 22. A family friendly overnight First 100 party will pop up in the restaurant parking lot 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 list of eligible zip codes and rules can be found at https://thechickenwire.chick-fil-a.com/News/Future-Openings.

A tradition going back more than 13 years, Chick-fil-A’s First 100 celebration has given away more than $31 million and continues to be the chain’s signature grand opening event. Rain, snow and extreme temperatures below zero or above 100 do not deter Chick-fil-A fans who arrive with tents, chairs, TVs and computers.

Each participant hopes 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 March 23. If more than 100 people are onsite when the line officially opens at 6 a.m. on March 22, a drawing will be held to randomly select the First 100. Those chosen will be required to camp out until the grand opening in order to secure their spot.

Becoming a Chick-fil-A franchise owner is no small feat as the company receives some 24,000 applications yearly for approximately 100 franchise opportunities. Loweth’s Chick-fil-A journey began 11 years ago at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Lakeland, Fla., when he started as a team member to earn money for attending local Southeastern University. The more Loweth became familiar with the brand, the more certain he was that Chick-fil-A was a good fit for his career goals and by graduation,  he was the restaurant’s general manager. He joined Chick-fil-A’s interim manager program and in 2014 became the Operator of the Chick-fil-A at Fairfield Commons in Dayton, Ohio. After his first year as a Chick-fil-A Operator, Loweth earned the company’s highest honor, the Symbol of Success.

Loweth and his family have grown to love the Midwest and are thrilled to be awarded the new Brookfield location. When Loweth is not at Chick-fil-A. he can be found spending time with his wife, Melissa, and their three young children with another due in June.

“My team members and I can’t wait to continue to serve the Brookfield community,” said Loweth. “We’re not just in the chicken business — we’re in the people business. Our goal is to grow our employees in leadership and purpose so they will provide our customers with a remarkable experience every time they visit. We want to serve freshly prepared food with healthy options that guests can truly feel good about eating and provide sincere hospitality.”

The Bluemound Chick-fil-A restaurant features a heritage restaurant design that showcases handmade, authentic materials for a vintage-inspired interior, including a large gathering table made from reclaimed wood, subway tiles, and a light fixture made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles, a 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 move quickly into a single lane for payment and pickup, dining room with seating for 134 and outdoor patio seats for 16, full-service menu, including breakfast until 10:30 AM, and will be open from 6:30 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Saturday. Like all Chick-fil-A locations, it will be closed on Sunday to provide a day of rest and time with family for team members.