Something new is cooking in Fort Oglethorpe. And it caused families from around the area to camp out all night for a chance to win free food.
As part of its grand opening last week, Moe's Southwest Grill offered free burritos for a year to the 50 people who were first in line.
When the doors opened at 11 a.m. July 28, a line wrapped around the building.
"It was a lot of fun camping out at Moe's last night," said Gordon Lee High School senior Molly Thomison, 18, who resides in Chickamauga. "We got here at 12:30 a.m. - midnight. We brought blankets, sweatshirts and camping chairs and camped out."
She camped out alongside her sister, GLHS freshman Sally Thomison, 15, and their friends, GLHS senior Hannah Lee, 17, and her brother, Gordon Lee Middle School eighth-grader Jake Lee, 14.
"It was worth the wait," Jake said, since all four received lanyards granting them free burritos for a year.
On opening day, each of the four friends ordered their first free burrito of choice: the Joey Bag of Donuts.
"The Joey Junior is the No. 1 seller. It's the cheapest burrito you can get, but you still get everything in there," said brand ambassador Samantha Crawford. "You always get free chips and salsa with every order."
Manager Jessica Woodside's favorite menu item is the Ancho Lime Burrito Bowl.
"It has so much flavor and a little bit of heat, which is really awesome," she said, adding, "I love the queso cheese dip and chips too."
Alyssa Newman said Moe's is her favorite place to eat. The Ringgold resident stopped by with her mom, Karen, on opening day. Even though they weren't one of the first 50 people, they got a chance to win free food and other prizes by spinning a wheel. Options included a free burrito that day, a beach ball, Frisbee, pens, koozies and more.
"I almost cried when I found out Moe's was opening here in Fort Oglethorpe," said Alyssa, who loves loading up Moe's quesadillas. "They [the staff] are so sweet when you walk in. They say 'Welcome to Moe's.' They are so cheerful."
The restaurant is at 73 Parkway Drive, Suite 200, next door to Buffalo Wild Wings. Call the restaurant at 706-419-8511 or visit moes.com to learn more.