(WWJ) Police are on the scene directing traffic Thursday, as fried chicken fans line up at a brand new Downriver Chick-fil-A restaurant.
The sandwich chain's newest metro Detroit location, at 20200 West Rd., near the intersection of Allen Rd. and West in Woodhaven, is open only for drive-thru service, or mobile carryout through the Chick-fil-A app.
The hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. (All Chik-Fil-As are closed on Sundays).
Concerned about traffic jams, Woodhaven Police Department posted a drone photo showing the projected route.
Drive thru traffic will be directed to the overflow lot which is directly north of the location, to the Meijer garden center lot, which is coned off and is able to hold a couple hundred vehicles, police said. The department added, in a Facebook post: "Patience is requested as this is a grand opening and a learning experience for all involved. We want everyone to have a pleasant experience, officers will be present to assist with traffic control."
Project developer Mike Shookman told WWJ's Charlie Langton it took three years to make this location happen. "And by looks of the people in line, he made the right choice," Langton said.
For those who haven't tried one yet, Langton asked Shookman to describe the taste of this popular chicken sandwich.
"I don't know if that's safe for radio for me to describe it," Shookman joked. "I mean, you get that first sort of bite into a chicken sandwich... it's plump, it's juicy; it kinda reminds you of your youth, your childhood. I mean that's really sort of the effect I have when I get a Chik-Fil-A sandwich."
Hungry customers waiting patiently in their cars told Langton it's worth it.
Among Hungry customers in line in the morning was Woodhaven resident Kim, who didn't have to wait long.
"Five minutes in line, the best ever, and I don't have to go to Toledo ever again. Amen!" she said.
Along with a sandwich for herself, Kim said she got five more for her dentist.
Is her dentist also a fan? "I don't know!" Kim said. "I'll find out."
While some in the community are excited about the new restaurant, others are annoyed.
The latter group includes Jeremy Baker, who posted sarcastically on the PD's Facebook page: "Glad we have to use the police for a bunch of people to indulge in a chicken sandwich."
Natalie Lesinski suggested, simply: "Stay away from there!!!"
At around 10 a.m., Langton said the drive-thru line wasn't terribly long, although it was expected to grow throughout the day.
Instead of the usual grand opening deal where the first 100 people get free Chick-fil-A for a year, the restaurant will be surprising 100 local heroes in Woodhaven with free food for a year. There will also be a $25,000 donation to Feeding America.
Other metro Detroit Chick-fil-A locations include Allan Park, Shelby Township, Northville, Novi and Troy.