Business & Tech

Clear the Way for Chick-fil-A; Restaurant Opens This Week in Elmhurst

A food drive will be held on Wednesday at the new restaurant on Route 83. The first 100 in line Thursday prior to opening will receive free Chick-fil-A for year.

Chick-fil-A will be opening its doors at 235 S. Route 83 this Thursday. 

As part of the restaurant chain's opening day tradition, the first 100 adults — ages 18 years and older — in line Thursday morning will get free Chick-fil-A for a year, according to a CP Communications press release. The restaurant opens at 6 a.m. on Feb. 6. 

"Chick-fil-A's most passionate customers arrive more than 24 hours in advance, packing tents, lawn chairs, computers, TVs, couches and all kinds of gear to make their wait more comfortable and entertaining," according to the press release. 


The restaurant opening will bring 65 new jobs to Elmhurst. 

As Chick-fil-A moves into the community, it is aimed at showing its support for the area and will host a food drive in partnership with the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, said Elmhurst Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator Bob Gutherz  in a news release. 

“As we celebrate a dream come true for us with the grand opening of this new Chick-fil-A location, we realize there are many who are struggling to put food on the table,” Gutherz said.  “This is a great opportunity to thank our community for the warm welcome by helping our friends and neighbors who might need a hand.”

Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry serves residents of 12 zip-codes, providing fresh produce, meat, dairy products, bread, and non-perishable groceries to 45,000 people each year, according to the news release. 

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"The extreme cold drives up heating costs and causes many families to seek help,” said Michele Zurakowski, Executive Director of Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, in the news release. “We couldn’t meet the intense need without incredible community support.  We’re thrilled that Chick-fil-A is looking to the needs of the community before even opening.  What a great neighbor!”

Chick-fil-A volunteers will be on hand at the Elmhurst Chick-fil-A restaurant on Feb. 5  between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to collect non-perishable food items. The items most needed include canned meats, fruits, soup, chili, cereal, rice, beans, peanut butter and toiletries    


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