The Chick-Fil-A in Gates of Prosper opens its doors to the public Aug. 23 at 6 a.m. The first 100 customers receive 52 free meals from this fast-food chain, so several people spent time Wednesday camping out outside and await the grand opening.

“The big thing is my vision to influence and be a part of the community,” Chick-Fil-A operator Chris Wright said. “That could be serving our guests in the restaurant or taking our culture into the community.”

‘The First 100,’ the contest that grants the first 100 campers with 52 free meals, requires customers to be of legal age, nice to the employees and fellow contestants and to spend the whole night.

“I have always loved Chick-Fil-A, and I have always wanted to be a part of ‘The First 100,’ so now I have fulfilled my dream,” community member Margie Walker said. “I am the first that got here at 3 a.m. We’ve been playing games. We set up Nintendo and sleeping to let time pass by.”

Employees have been leading games and giving out meals throughout the day.

“Every time we go, the employees are really nice,” customer Debby Schneider said. “They’re cheerful, and they always have a sense of happiness and a peaceful environment.”

Junior and Chick-Fil-A employee Gabe McMillan said the fast-food restaurant gives him a sense of community.

“I like being friendly to people and making their day, so I thought Chick-Fil-A would be a great opportunity to do that,” McMillan said. “The service really is unparalleled…. Not only will it be fun to see people I know coming in, but also working with a lot of my friends will be quite a joy.”

According to McMillan, he and other employees work to share the company’s core values of honor, integrity and honesty.

“It’s all about making our customer’s day better,” McMillan said. “It is a good first job to have because it teaches you social skills, and the food is great.”

According to Wright, the new business wants to give back to the community. For example, employees are collecting new and used book donations for the Folsom Elementary School library throughout the grand opening.

“The biggest thing is that we’re here to serve the community,” Wright said. “The other night, we were at ‘Meet the Eagles,’ really just helping support and being there for the cheerleaders. With spirit night, we like to give back to the schools or the industries around here.”

After almost two years of development and construction, the restaurant is ready to carry out the vision of its founders, employees and customers at 6 a.m. Thursday morning.

“Thank you for all the support that Prosper has given us,” Wright said. “We’re just ready to open tomorrow.”