Prime cut. Chick-fil-A opens a new Carmichael restaurant. Franchise owners (holding the ribbon) are Angie and Eric Mason. Wielding scissors are team leaders Zack Mason and Nick Leif. 

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - With a cry of “eat more chicken!” store leaders sliced a ribbon to open Carmichael’s newest restaurant last week.

The July 9 event was the culmination of four years in planning and construction for franchise owner Eric Mason and 50 staffers.

“It's been a long process,” noted Mason (55). “We had to find the right property in the right community and go through many steps. But serving great food with a smile is well worth perseverance.”

Formerly housing a mini-golf course, the three-acre Fair Oaks Boulevard property has stood vacant for more than 20 years.

“We love the location and the buzz of the Carmichael Village Center,” said Mason. “I felt the center was yearning for something like Chick-fil-A to fill that empty space.” 

Complete with seating for 75, a kids play area, a flagpole, a drive-through and charging station for electric vehicles, the red-white and black facility saw fast and furious traffic in its first week of business.

“The first day was such fun,” said Mason. “My staff and I worked really hard. We served more than 2,000 guests. This is one of Chick-fil-A’s most cutting-edge restaurants – we’re completely set up for the digital era. Families can order by app and have food delivered to their table without coming to the counter.”

Busy boss. Franchise owner Eric Mason and team bustle to serve 200 opening-night guests.

“For us, elevated hospitality is not just about the chicken; we care about guest experience. That’s how our brand’s stayed around since 1946.”

Mason owns two franchises; his first located on Madison Avenue. “It’s hard work - blood sweat and tears," he noted. “But I feel I've been placed here by God to run these restaurants with a big smile and to love on people.”

Opening night celebrations included the national anthem, a prayer, live music and hundreds of free meals for staff, families, friends and civic luminaries. Most popular dish was Chick-fil-A’s original chicken sandwich.

“It’s been around since 1967; we haven’t changed a single ingredient,” said Mason. “It’s a sandwich built to last.”

A world-wide operation with more than 3,000 North American outlets, the corporation pledges to give back in communities it serves. Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services hit the jackpot with Mason’s opening-night donation of $25,000.

“This will provide 75,000 meals,” enthused food bank representative Christina Cleveland. “Through partnerships like this, we can nourish families through difficult times and give them hope for the future.”

Mason’s son Zack, restaurant manager, declared the company's aim to be a beacon of light in the community.

“By serving great food, with genuine hospitality,” he said, “we are honored to be part of Carmichael.”

Chick-fil-A is located at 7411 Fair Oaks Blvd.