First Chicagoland Chick-fil-A opening imminent

Breaded chicken fans and ex-Southerners, rejoice. The first Chicagoland Chick-fil-A is opening Sept. 16. 

Of course, delicious chicken comes at a price—transit time. The first Chick-fil-A in “Chicago” is actually in Aurora, out by Fox Valley Mall, so plan weekend and late-night trips accordingly. Google Maps clocks the trip at an hour and a half from The A.V. Club’s offices, public transportation-wise, so this is a fast food location for only city-dwelling car owners, drivers, and ride-givers.

As a consolation, the company does plan to open three more restaurants in 2011, two of which are slated to actually be in Chicago proper, and 12 to 14 restaurants within the next three to five years. 

For fanatics willing to make the trek, the company will be doing the whole “free Chick-fil-A for a year to the first 100 people in line” gimmick at this location. The line officially opens at 6 a.m. Sept. 15. No cutsies.