Pittsburgh’s Newest Chick-fil-A Opening June 1; Creates More than 100 Jobs, Awards Year Supply to First 100

Pittsburgh’s Newest Restaurant Opening June 1 in Ross Township;

Location Creates More than 100 Jobs, Awards Year Supply of Chick-fil-A Meals to First 100

Pittsburgh Native and Long-time Ross Park Mall Franchised Owner Holding Children Book Drive

PITTSBURGH, Penn. (June 1, 2017) – Pittsburgh native and local franchise owner Mike Ortmann will open the city’s newest stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurant on June 1, bringing more than 100 new jobs, a chance for 100 adults to win free Chick-fil-A meals for a year and an opportunity for the community to donate children’s books to Peebles Elementary School.

The grand opening events at the new restaurant at 7451 McKnight Road will get under way on May 31. A family friendly overnight First 100 party will pop up in the restaurant parking lot 24 hours before the grand opening as guests try to be one of the first 100 adults through the door to win a year of free Chick-fil-A meals. This community event is open to guests residing in specific zip codes surrounding the restaurant. A list of eligible zip codes and rules can be found at https://thechickenwire.chick-fil-a.com/News/Future-Openings.

The Chick-fil-A First 100

A tradition going back more than 13 years, Chick-fil-A’s First 100 celebration has given away more than

$31 million and continues to be the chain’s signature grand opening event. Rain, snow and extreme temperatures below zero or above 100 do not deter Chick-fil-A fans who arrive with tents, chairs, TVs and computers.

Each participant hopes to win a digital offer card loaded with a one-year supply of free Chick-fil-A meals (52 meals with each consisting of a Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, medium Waffle Potato Fries and a medium beverage) that will be awarded to the first 100 eligible adults - ages 18 and older with identification - shortly before 6 a.m. on June 1. If more than 100 people are onsite when the line officially opens at 6 a.m. on May 31, a drawing will be held to randomly select the First 100. Those chosen will be required to camp out until the grand opening in order to secure their spot.

About Franchise Operator Mike Ortmann

Born and raised in North Pittsburgh, Ortmann has deep roots in the community along with his North Allegheny High School sweetheart and wife, Kelly. It was actually Kelly who first began working at Ross Park Mall Chick-fil-A during high school, with Mike following in her footsteps many years later. . He worked in retail golf sales for a few years before making a career change and started working at the Ross Park Mall Chick-fil-A. Within weeks of working as a team member, he knew that he wanted to operate his own Chick-fil-A franchise. His hard work and talents earned him a management opportunity six months later at a downtown Chick-fil-A location. He continued on the fast track and within two years of that opportunity, Ortmann fulfilled his dream in March 2001 when he became the Operator of the Century III Mall restaurant in West Miffin.

However, when the opportunity to operate the Ross Park Mall became available in July 2004, the Ortmanns jumped at the chance to come back home to their Chick-fil-A and community. For the last 13 years, the Ortmanns and their two children have been active in serving and giving back to the North Pittsburgh community and look forward to continuing that tradition as he transfers to the new McKnight Road restaurant.

“My team members and I can’t wait to open another location in the North Pittsburgh community,” said Ortmann, who also is the Operator consultant to the licensee location at the University of Pittsburgh. “We’re not just in the chicken business — we’re in the people business. Our goal is to grow our employees in leadership and purpose so they will provide our customers with a remarkable experience. We want to serve freshly prepared food with healthy options that guests can truly feel good about eating while providing sincere hospitality.”

Children’s Book Drive

Reflecting his desire to continue his positive impact on the surrounding community, Ortmann is inviting his First 100 guests and customers to support the children’s book drive being held grand opening week to benefit nearby Peebles Elementary School. The donated books will be placed in a nearly 3-foot Book House, made from reclaimed wood, to serve as a free library exchange. Since 2014, Chick-fil-A has collected more than 41,177 books that have been donated to 241 local organizations in 43 states and Washington, D.C.

Restaurant Details

The 4,983-square-foot McKnight Road Chick-fil-A restaurant features a:

• heritage restaurant design that showcases handmade, authentic materials for a vintage-inspired interior, including a large gathering table made from reclaimed wood, subway tiles, and a light fixture made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles.
• two-story interactive indoor play area for children and free Wi-Fi.
• dining room with seating for 126 and outdoor patio seats for 24.
• full-service menu with healthy options and breakfast until 10:30 a.m., and will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Like all Chick-fil-A locations, it will be closed on Sunday to provide a day of rest and time with family for team members.

Chick-fil-A in Pittsburgh

The first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Pittsburgh opened 15 years ago at The Waterfront in 2002. The new McKnight Road location is the metro area’s 15th location and is among the 102 Chick-fil-A locations scheduled to open this year across the country, creating more than 9,000 new jobs. For more information on the Chick-fil-A at McKnight Road, visit Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cfamcknightroad.

About Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a family owned and privately held restaurant company founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. Devoted to serving the local communities in which its franchised restaurants operate, and known for its original chicken sandwich, Chick-fil-A serves freshly prepared food in more than 2,160 restaurants in 46 states and Washington, D.C. Chick-fil-A system sales reached nearly $8 billion in 2016, which marks 49 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com.

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