Jessie Chesson started out in PGco schools and now is @ChickfilA franchise owner in DC. Hubby Karlson is proud #WTOP pic.twitter.com/KV1Qy7PdOZ
— Kristi King (@kingWTOP) November 4, 2015
WASHINGTON — More than a hundred people, some of whom had been there for more than 24 hours, camped out in sleeping bags, deck chairs and blankets on the sidewalk on 14th Street, awaiting Wednesday’s 6 a.m. opening of the District’s first Chick-fil-A franchise.
The chicken itself was only part of the appeal: The first 100 people in line got 52 coupons for free meals at the restaurant. The line began before dawn Tuesday.
Howard University student Toby Aderotoye, who was number 71 in line, said, “I’m a broke college student, so it’s awesome.”
The franchise, across from the Columbia Heights Metro station, is owned by Jessie Chesson. She graduated from Howard, earned an MBA at George Washington University and grew up in the Hyattsville area, attending Prince George’s County Public Schools.
“It’s surreal for me” to open a D.C.-area business, she says.
Her advice to others?
“Work hard; be determined. If I can make it, anyone else can as well.”
WTOP’s Kristi King contributed to this report.
