About 50 people braved the lower temperatures to wait for the grand opening of Moe’s Southwest Grill.
The doors opened Thursday at 11 a.m. and to celebrate the grand opening, the Owensboro Moe’s gave away one free burrito for every week for a year to the first 50 fans in line.
Most of the people arrived after 5:30 a.m., but three people camped out overnight.
Jonathan Chapman, 33, and J.J. Poole, 23, arrived at 8:30 Wednesday night, and both came prepared with hats and gloves. Chapman said he had hiked part of the Appalachian Trail over fall break, so he also brought his small tent and camping supplies to combat the overnight temperatures.
Someone was in front of the two in line, but the fan left when he got too cold, Chapman said, so he and Poole were number one and two to get the prize.
Chapman is no stranger to grand opening events. He has stood in line for openings of Cracker Barrel, Burger King, the “elusive” Chick-fil-A and Dairy Queen — twice. He said that he eats at all of the places where he waits as a fan for the promise of free food.
“There has to be a draw,” Chapman said. “I intend to use it.”
Chapman also has a tie to Moe’s as he used to work at one. With one son and another on the way, Chapman said the free burrito each week will be good to have.
While Poole said this was his first time to camp overnight for free food, he said the perk was worth it.
“He [Chapman] asked me if I wanted to do it, and I said, ‘Sure,’” he said.
Poole is a fan of Moe’s Southwest Grill and frequented the Bowling Green Moe’s when he lived there, so he was excited to get a free burrito every week.
Both said the Homewrecker Burrito is their favorite and recommend it to customers.
Chapman also said that employees at Moe’s greet customers when they come through the doors.
“It makes you feel welcome,” he said.
Moe’s will also offer free merchandise while supplies last.
Moe’s Southwest Grill is located at 2065 East Parrish Ave. It will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information visit www.moes.com.
