Local franchise owner Beau Noblitt will open his second stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurant on March 23, bringing nearly 100 new jobs to the area, 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 & Girls Club of Rutherford County.

The family friendly overnight First 100 party will pop up in the restaurant parking lot at 2116 Memorial Blvd., 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 www.chick-fil-a.com/Locatio ns/Openings.

The Chick-fil-A First 100

A tradition going back 13 years, Chick-fil-A's First 100 celebration has given away nearly $31 million in free food through 2016 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 fan 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 on site 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.

"After much anticipation, my team members and I can't wait to welcome our guests to Murfreesboro's newest Chick-fil-A restaurant," said Noblitt. "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."

About Franchise Operator Beau Noblitt

Customers who want to be even more efficient with their wait time are also encouraged to download the Chick-fil-A One app to take advantage of mobile ordering. A designated mobile parking spot and inside counter are provided for pick up. Noblitt graduated from Erskine College in South Carolina in 2004 with a degree in business management. Initially interested in pre-med, Noblitt attended a seminar where Chick-fil-A Founder Truett Cathy spoke about being in the people business not the chicken business. The impact of his message was immediate with Noblitt shifting careers to pursuing becoming a Chick-fil-A Operator so he could make an impact on his community. He started as a team member and worked his way up the Chick-fil-A chain before being selected as an Operator in Virginia Beach in 2006. Four years later, he transferred to Murfreesboro to operate the Towne Center location and serve as Operator consultant to the Middle Tennessee State University licensee location.

Becoming a Chick-fil-A franchise owner is no small feat. The company receives some 24,000 applications yearly for approximately 100 franchise opportunities so operating two locations is a huge achievement. Noblitt and his wife Kate and their three children are looking forward to being able to expand their community outreach with the second location through partnerships with organizations that encourage future generations to strive for greatness and excellence, and continue developing Noblitt's passion for building leaders starting with his own team members who are taught a strong work ethic and are given opportunities to reach their full potential.

Children's Book Drive

Continuing that community outreach at his second location, Noblitt is inviting customers to celebrate the new location by participating in a children's book drive to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Rutherford County. Noblitt will be collecting new and gently used children's books through grand opening day. The donated books will be placed in a nearly 3-foot Book House, built from reclaimed wood, to serve as a free library exchange for the Boys and Girls Club. Since 2014, Chick-fil-A has collected more than 33,500 books which were donated to 213 local organizations in 42 states and Washington, D.C.

Restaurant Details

Noblitt, who also operates the Murfreesboro Towne Center location, is looking forward to providing his customers with an expanded drive-thru service that can hold 26 vehicles and offers dual drive-thru ordering lanes and screens to enable customers to move quickly into a single payment and pick up lane to help expedite service. Other Memorial Blvd. Chick-fil-A restaurant features include 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 light fixtures made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles and peach baskets.
• two-story interactive indoor play area for children and free Wi-Fi.
• 4,200-square-foot building with a dining room that seats 118.
• full-service menu, including breakfast until 10:30 a.m., and will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., 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 and friends for team members.

Chick-fil-A in Tennessee

Chick-fil-A opened Tennessee's first location nearly 39 years ago in September 1978 inside Hickory Hollow Mall. The Memorial Blvd. grand opening marks the 79th location in Tennessee and the third location in Murfreesboro.

It is part of 102 new Chick-fil-A locations opening this year across the country, creating nearly 9,000 new jobs. For more information on Memorial Blvd.'s Chick-fil-A restaurant, visit Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CF AMurfreesboro/.

About Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a family owned and privately held restaurant company founded in 1967. 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 2,137 restaurants in 46 states and Washington, D.C. Chick-fil-A system sales reached nearly $8 billion in 2016, which marks 49 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com.