Dozens camp out for free Chick-fil-A meals

If you're wondering why the chicken crossed the road on Wednesday night the answer is to get to Bryant Park.

Poultry lovers lined up for a Chick-fil-A campout in Bryant Park to celebrate the opening of the fast food chain's newest location at Grand Central. It opens Thursday morning. The first 100 people to show up are getting a year's worth of free food, redeemable at any Chick-fil-A restaurant nationwide.

"That's 52 No. 1 meals loaded onto a digital card—which is an original chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and a medium beverage," Chick-fil-A's Liz Norman said.

"I don't like paying for things if I can help it," said Cameron Asay, one of the winners. "And this is a much more honest way to not pay for my food."

The only stipulation is that winners are required to stay overnight at the park for 12 hours until the restaurant opens. Some of these chirping New Yorkers, like Alex and Cameron, showed up with snacks and video games to pass the time. Blankets were given out to all. For some, like Cheryl Smith, this experience is extra meaningful.

"This is my first Chick-fil-A camp out," Smith said. "I really need it because I lost my job two years ago so this food for a year really helps me out."

The new location opens Bright and early at 6:30 a.m. Thursday. About an hour before that, the winners will all walk together from Bryant Park to Grand Central to claim their tickets for a year of free Chick-fil-A meals.