By Gerri Miller
Staff Writer
Clanton resident Kristie Cummings and her sisters had waited in line since 4:30 a.m. Friday so that they could be part of the first 25 people in line at Prattville Chicken Salad Chick when they opened at 10 a.m.
Friday, December 13th, was the five-year anniversary of the Prattville restaurant and Kristie and her sisters Stephanie Downs, Heather Smith, Tiffany Rollan and nephew Mason Rollan all said that the wait was worth it. The first 25 customers in line get a pound of chicken salad every month for a year.
“We love the chicken salad, so we paid our dues,” Cummins laughed. “It was definitely worth the wait.”
One of the highlights of the anniversary celebration was a visit from Stacy Brown, whose company now has 144 restaurants in 16 states. She has remained an integral part of Chicken Salad Chick. On Friday, she mingled with the customers who waited in line and made sure to talk to everyone.
Mayor Bill Gillespie and Police Chief Mark Thompson came to welcome Brown and to celebrate the anniversary with the staff and the public. They talked with Brown and took photos.
Brown became emotional when she talked about her Prattville team. She said the store has exceeded her expectations in every way.
“These people are so amazing,” Brown said. “They live the culture of the brand-they are so full of love for our guests.”
She said the store has performed well financially and is a true testament to the brand. “They take ownership of this place because they can see and feel the value,” she said.
She said it is important to choose franchise owners and managers who have servants’ hearts. She said Prattville Manager Pamela Busby fits that description and is a “nurturer of souls.”
“I have watched every guest and when they come through the door and see Pam, they light up,” Brown said.
Brown has come a long way since she used to deliver her delicious chicken salad door-to-door to neighbors and friends in Auburn. One day she received a call from the Lee County Health Department and was told that her home business was illegal.
With her tasty products in high demand, Stacy and her husband Kevin Brown opened their first restaurant in Auburn. Kevin passed away in 2015 after a two-year battle with cancer.
The business just continues to grow and was even ranked 37thon Inc. Magazine’s5000 List of America’s Fastest Growing Businesses. Brown said the company is opening an average of one to two new stores each week.
Chicken Salad Chick will continue its 5thAnniversary Celebration on Saturday, December 14th with special prizes and giveaways for its guests. You can visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChickenSaladChickPrattville/
Visit their website https://www.restaurantji.com/al/prattville/chicken-salad-chick-/
