Despite the chilly morning air, many eager customers stood patiently in line as Chicken Salad Chick opened its doors to the public. Groups stood huddled against each other and the outside walls as they used the Chicken Salad Chick mobile app to claim in- store benefits and rewards.

Located on 2510 Corridor Way, the Coralville location was opened in mid-October.  The franchise prides itself as America’s only fast-casual chicken salad chain. The chain has over 280 locations across the country. The ceremony served to commemorate not only as the first opening in Coralville but in the state of Iowa, which will be the franchise’s 20th state of operation.

Dozens of eager customers stood waiting outside even before the opening officially began to be among the select first 100 customers offered a large “Quick Chick” chicken salad every month for a year. The very first customer, who arrived at 5:30 a.m., received free chicken salad every week for a year.

Local owners Melissa and Pat Ingle were excited to share their journey of bringing the chain to Iowa.

“We found this place in Florida about three years ago,” Pat Ingle said. “It was just a really welcoming and inviting place to come eat and enjoy fresh food made every day.”

“We love the concept. We love the feel of the vibe,” Melissa Ingle added. “It just kind of feels like home. It’s very welcoming, and the food is great.”

RELATED: Iowa’s first Chicken Salad Chick restaurant opens in Coralville

Construction began at the end of July. The couple began the franchising process about a year before that. The couple had prior experience in managing restaurants, owning a Nothing Bundt Cakes in Coralville for the past four years.

Pat Ingle made it clear that they wanted to bring more than the unique food to the Coralville location.

“Customer service has kind of left all restaurants now; you’re just a number. We just want to bring that back here and let people come and eat and enjoy [their time] instead of just in and out real quick like everywhere is going to.”

The restaurant offers 13 unique chicken salad flavors.

“Being brand new to Iowa, they don’t really know our flavor profile, so it’s going to be an experiment to see what it is,” Pat Ingle answered.

Chicken Salad Chick’s Chief Marketing Officer Tom Carr elaborated on the flavors, excited to hear feedback on certain ones, such as the spicy buffalo wing chicken salad, the fruity and nutty varieties, and “savory” flavors like the bacon, cheddar, and ranch chicken salad.

“Each flavor is named after somebody who was really helpful to the family who started Chicken Salad Chick originally and sisters and cousins and best friends,” he said. “And it’s a way for us to honor those people as we move forward building this brand long-term.”

Carr explained the chain’s beginnings, which date back to 2008.

“We started down in Alabama, originally. We have a lot of restaurants down in the southeast, so we’re so excited to be expanding here in the Midwest and, finally, in the state of Iowa,” he said.

Carr was optimistic about future openings in Iowa, particularly around the densely student-populated streets of Iowa City.

“We would love to get closer to Iowa City,” he said. “This family is focused on this Coralville restaurant, but there will be opportunities for other folks to come in, too, if they were interested to open a restaurant.”

Pat Ingle reflected on his number one goal in opening the new location. He hopes he is successful in “bringing smiling people here” and to “be able to provide jobs and a great place for people to come.”

“And great food,” Melissa Ingle added.