GRAND RAPIDS, MI - West Michigan's first Chick-Fil-A is less than 24 hours from opening its doors.

Located at 1545 Edgeknoll Drive SE off M-6 and west of Kalamazoo Avenue, the restaurant will open to the public at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12.

Thirty to 40 tents began to pop up on the property beginning at 6 a.m. this morning in preparation for the opening, but you don't have to wait to get a look at the 4,877-square-foot restaurant.

Local franchise owner Brad Spurlin offered a sneak peek of the location to media, friends and local community leaders earlier today.

Spurlin, who most recently served as director of operations for the North Central Group for United Stationers Supply Inc. in Walker, first reached out to Chick-Fil-A about franchise opportunities in Michigan in 2002.

"I'm a big fan of the food," he said. "The food is amazing and the entrepreneurial side of me always wanted to get out on my own. The Chick-Fil-A is a corporation that I believe highly in."

"I respect their values and what they stand for in serving the community and making a positive impact with everyone. I set out on the journey 14 years ago and here I am."

The Grand Rapids South location is the first of three scheduled to open in West Michigan this year. Locations also include 700 54th St. SW in Wyoming and 6202 S. Westnedge Ave. in Portage.

The restaurants are part of a statewide expansion for the company in which as many as 20 restaurant could open in the next five years.

Grand Rapids' first Chick-Fil-A features a heritage, vintage-inspired interior including a large gathering table made from reclaimed wood, subway tiles and light fixtures made from recycled Coca-Cola bottes and peach baskets.

Dual drive-thru lanes, a dining room that can seat up to 134 people, an outdoor area that can seat 24 people and a two-story interactive children's play area are also featured. Wi-Fi is on site.

Nearly 100 people have been hired to work at the location. They will receive hands-on training from 50 employees from around the country.

The first 100 people eat at the restaurant will receive a one-year supply of Chick-Fil-A meals. Those who receive the promotion will have earned it, having camped on site for 24 hours.

"It's a little surreal to be honest with you," Spurlin said. "I'm very humbled. It's an honor to see everyone out in the parking lot to be as excited about Chick-Fil-A as I am and I cannot wait to serve them tomorrow."

Chick-Fil-A Grand Rapids South is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Breakfast is served until 10:30 a.m. All Chick-Fil-A locations are closed on Sundays.