FAIRHOPE — The long-awaited Chick-fil-A finally opened its doors last week in Fairhope.

The new eatery is located in the Plantation Pointe shopping center at the corner of Greeno Road and Fairhope Avenue, where Ruby Tuesday once stood before it was demolished. In the early morning hours, several people were waiting outside ahead of the establishment opening its doors at 6 a.m. on Friday, March 27.

As part of its grand opening, those who arrived wearing a cow-themed costume or accessory were able to redeem one free entrée or kid’s meal inside the restaurant or through the drive-thru.

According to a press release, the new restaurant, which is the fourth location in Baldwin County, will be run by local owner and operator Daniel Nance, who also owns and operates the Daphne location. The new Fairhope location is expected to create 100 new jobs. The restaurant also said it will donate $25,000 to Feeding the Gulf Coast to commemorate the opening.

“Fairhope has been my home for over 20 years, and this community has supported me as I’ve grown into the leader I am today,” Nance said in a statement. “I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to continue serving our Guests and expanding our impact with another restaurant right here in my hometown. It’s truly an honor to open the first Chick-fil-A in Fairhope.”