I'm a V.I.P...at Chick-Fil-A

Remember this post I wrote about the new Chick-fil-A opening in Holly Springs?

Well, that post scored me an invitation to be a VIP at the Chick-fil-A premiere night. Sahhhh-weet! The restaurant doesn't officially open until Thursday, but Lee and I got a sneak peak tonight, as well as some tasty grub and nice swag.

What exactly does a Chick-fil-A premiere night consist of? Well, it starts with a red carpet arrival, violin players, and candles and flowers on every table.

Next was an appetizer of chick-n-minis (soooo good)...

And a salad course complete with a server walking around offering fresh ground pepper. (I look like a doof in this picture but it's the only one with me and my I heart Chick-fil-A sticker.)

We were waited on hand and foot, and were able to order anything we wanted off the menu for dinner. And of course, milkshakes for dessert:

Up next was a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen.

Buns and bevs:

One of the things that sets Chick-fil-A apart - they use name brand products in their food: Oreos, Keebler Nilla wafers, Hershey's chocolate, Dole pineapple chunks, etc., so you know you're getting the real thing and not some knockoff.

Lots o' grease:

This is the breading station. They hand-bread every piece of chicken served. It goes through a milk wash, seasoned coating, and then straight into the fryer/pressurizer. The bottom of the station is refrigerated so the chicken stays cool throughout the process.

Mmmm...yummy coating:

This is the bun station. Buns come out of the big silver thing. The little roller in the bottom right corner butters the buns (yumm) and the trademark pickles are in the silver bin.

It was a fun night and we left with full bellies and some sweet coupons. We ended the night with a goodbye from the Chick-fil-A cow:

Can't wait to go back for "real" next time!