Local franchise owner Marc Schuh is opening the first of two metro- Seattle Chick-fil-A restaurants opening within six weeks as he welcomes guests to Covington’s first stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurant on April 12, bringing 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 MultiCare Covington Medical Center.
The grand opening events at the new restaurant at 17440 SE 272ndStreet will get underway on April 11 when a family-friendly overnight First 100 party will pop up in the new 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.
The opening of Covington’s first Chick-fil-A will be followed with the arrival of a restaurant at 5429 100thSt. SW, in Lakewood, projected for early May.
The Chick-fil-A First 100
A tradition going back more than 14 years, Chick-fil-A’s First 100 celebration has given away more than $34 million in free food through 2017 and continues to be the chain’s signature grand opening event. Rain, snow and extreme temperatures do not deter Chick-fil-A fans who arrive with tents, chairs, TVs and computers to stay entertained.
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 – around 5:45 a.m. on April 12. If more than 100 people are onsite when the line officially opens at 6 a.m. on April 11 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.
About Franchise Operator Marc Schuh
Originally from Maryland, Schuh grew up on the water, working on a commercial fishing boat. It was there, being on the water and interacting with people, that he developed two loves that would guide his first career of 27 years in the U.S. Navy, and now his second, as a Chick-fil-A Operator.
Schuh’s service in the Navy placed him on submarines and ships all over the world. In 2004, he was transferred to the Pacific Northwest where he earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander and his family put down roots in Seattle. After he retired and as he was contemplating his next step, his mentor and friend, Pullayup Chick-fil-A Operator Mike Lehman, encouraged Schuh to look more closely at the Chick-fil-A franchise owner opportunity.
As Schuh looked into the company, he loved the aspect of learning about people and becoming part of their journey and the community, another takeaway from meeting a variety of people aboard his early days on a fishing boat. Mentoring and being able to help others achieve their goals resonated with him. “I’m a giver and to be able to impact someone in a positive way and become a small partof their life – that just excites me,” said Schuh.
Schuh spent time working at the Lynnwood Chick-fil-A location, where he discovered that he loved the business and was energized by working with so many young people. “Working with teenagers is exciting because they have so much energy. It’s fun to be around young people and share in their excitement about their future,” said Schuh.
Schuh is married to his high school sweetheart, Stacey, and they are thrilled to welcome guests to the Covington location where they can experience a sense of community, as well as delicious food and quality customer service.
Children’s Book Drive
Reflective of his passion around making a difference from day one of opening, Schuh isinviting hisFirst 100 and restaurant guests to participate in a children’s book drive benefitting the MultiCare Covington Medical Center. He will be collecting new and gently used children’s books during grand opening week to be placed in a nearly 3-foot Book House, built from reclaimed wood. Since 2014, Chick-fil-A has collected more than 57,000 books that have been donated to 325 local organizations in 45 states and Washington, D.C.
Restaurant Details
The 4,600-square-foot Covington 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 light fixtures made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles and peach baskets. It is the first Idaho Chick-fil-A to feature this interior design.
T-story, interactive indoor play area for children and free Wi-Fi.
- Drive-thru service with dual ordering lanes and screens to enable customers to move quickly into a single lane for payment and pickup as well as a dedicated parking spot for Chick-fil-A One app order pickup.
- Dining room that seats 128 and an additional 8 outdoor patio seats.
- Full-service menu with a variety of healthy and dietary options and breakfast until 10:30 a.m., and will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Chick-fil-A locations are closed on Sunday to provide a day of rest and time with family and friends for team members.
Chick-fil-A in Washington
The Covington Chick-fil-A restaurant becomes the ninth Chick-fil-A location in Washington and the seventh within 50 miles of Seattle. Chick-fil-A first opened in the state in April 2015 at Northeast 8thStreet in Bellevue. A total of 140 new Chick-fil-A locations are expected to open this year across the country, creating more than 13,000 new jobs. Find more information on the Covington Chick-fil-A restaurant at https://www.facebook.com/CFACovington.
