Hundreds find the way to Chicago Ridge Chick

  People came from near and far last week for a chance to be one of the first 100 customers at the Chicago Ridge Chick-fil-A restaurant, but none had a shorter trip than Oak Lawn residents Cathy and Marissa Gonzalez.  The mother and daughter, who live near 91st Street and Nashville Avenue, arrived at the restaurant parking lot at 4 a.m. Wednesday hoping to win a year's supply of meals from the chicken eatery at 9600 S. Ridgeland Ave.  Chick-fil-A celebrates its grand openings by awarding 52 meals to the first 100 adults in line when the restaurant opens. Devotees show up at the crack of dawn the day before the grand opening to secure their spot and then camp out in the parking lot.  If more than 100 people show up - which was the case in Chicago Ridge - a drawing is held to determine the first 100 spots. Those who are selected cannot leave the premise until the opening.  But the Gonzalez's didn't know the dedication that was required to win the weekly meals. They thought the gift cards would be handed out Wednesday morning to the first 100 people who showed up.  But they didn't let their misunderstanding of protocol get in the way. Family members were summoned to set them up for the day by dropping off a canopy, blankets, chairs and other essentials.  "We thought it would be something interesting to do," Cathy Gonzalez said. "I'm ready for the night."  They weren't alone.  The restaurant's parking lot was transformed into a tent city as Chick-fil-A fans from throughout the Midwest gathered at the second franchise to open in the southwest suburbs. Those who've made several pilgrimages to Chick-fil-A openings were well prepared with tents, sleeping bags, reading material, lap top computers, lawn chairs and snacks.  "They know each other because they've done it before," Cathy Gonzalez said of the core group of Chick-fil-A devotees. Many of the regulars socialize and play games together. Others are content to spend quiet time with friends and family.  Mark Dove, a Prospect Heights resident, spent the late afternoon reading a book to pass the time.  "It's a fun day with friends for us," said Dove, who attended the event with members of his church.  "I'm having a nice day off," said Dove, who added that some passersby on Ridgeland Avenue yelled 'get a job' at the Chick-fil-A enthusiasts.  Chuck Snyder of Wheaton spent the afternoon catching up on the Sunday paper.  "We enjoy it. It's a fun event," said Snyder, who has attended two other grand openings.  The first 100 customers received their gift cards at 6 a.m. Thursday morning, immediately before the restaurant opened.  Chick-fil-A's First 100 event got its start a decade ago in Arizona as a way to celebrate the opening of the chain's first stand-alone restaurant. It quickly became tradition when an individual arrived 18 hours before the opening wondering where to get in line.  First 100 celebrations have been the scenes of family reunions, birthday parties, college study parties and several marriage proposals.  "It's good people out here," said Donna of Chicago, who declined to give her last name.