Jim Fair
Shane Hubbard's expression shows what drinking a cold milkshake will do to one's senses.
David Geer, left, who tied for eating a chicken sandwich fastest, and other competitors found the contest too hot to handle.
Jim Fair
Dru Gadson, who tied for eating a sandwich fastest, takes a selfie with the Chick-fil-A mascot.
Jim Fair
Arts and crafts provided activities for quality family time.
Chick-fil-A at 1739 West Wade Hampton Blvd. closed its doors Friday but not before a squad of customers in hard hats took turns pummeling the restaurant’s interior at Tyler’s store “Closing Party”.
Winning food contests earned a customer a hard hat and a swing to break down the restaurants' walls. What wasn't accomplished Friday night will be done by a construction crew by Monday.
The store closed 10 p.m. and will reopen June 30 after a “Brand Image Reinvestment” that will see a complete gutting of the building, ceiling to floor. A new generation of the store – done every 8 years – is the second time Tyler’s store has undergone a makeover in the 16 years he has owned the franchise.
Douglas Roloson, downed a milkshake the fastest, straws mandated, and was intent on winning. “I don’t have an anger management issue but I like wrecking stuff,” Roloson said with a laugh. “I would have loved to run a car crusher.”
Drug Gadson said he entered the chicken sandwich contest because he was hungry. “I haven’t had anything since lunch,” Gadson said. Gadson and David Geer earned a tie.
“My secret was I ripped the sandwich in half and started on the sides,” Gadson said. The too hot to handle sandwiches had to cool, but still offered the best contestants' expressions.
Greer and Pelham Batesville fire departments brought vehicles, inflatables, face painting, balloons, crafts and a DJ created a carnival-like setting.