What do New Yorkers really think about Chick-fil-A?

It’s only been five days, but Chick-fil-A appears to have hit pay dirt in Manhattan.



Customers are lining up down the block to eat at the chain’s first-ever freestanding site in the Big Apple.



The 5,000-sq.-ft. restaurant, the largest in the company’s portfolio, opened on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 37th Street and Sixth Avenue. There was some speculation that the privately owned company’s conservative Christian values would not go over well in Manhattan.



But while there were protests at the store’s opening, they were overshadowed by the crowds waiting their turn to get in and order. On Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 7, there was nary a protestor in sight and the line to get in extended far down the block. There were DisneyWorld-reminscent signs informing customers of the expected wait times.



Inside, the restaurant was bustling with activity, with employees taking orders with iPads as customers walked through the entrance. An army of workers were visible behind the counter.



Customers took their orders up to the second floor, which is outfitted with a variety of seating options. Employees chatted with customers. The mood was upbeat and friendly — both inside and out. No one even appeared to mind waiting in line.