Five Locals Named Chick-fil-A VIPs

Five Fredericksburg area residents were among the 45 winners of Chick-fil-A's “VIP of My Chick-fil-A” contest.

Each winner received a free, one-day trip to Atlanta with a guest of their choosing for a tour of the Chick-fil-A corporate headquarters and historic company landmarks.

Fredericksburg Winners 

• Brian Creed (Chick-fil-A in Fredericksburg)
• Edgard Collazo (Chick-fil-A at Spotsylvania Town Centre Mall)
• Suzanne Medina (Chick-fil-A at Southpoint)
• Kathy Truslow (Chick-fil-A at Celebrate Virginia)
• Elody Shojinaga (Chick-fil-A at Central Park)

VIP of My Chick-fil-A Contest

To participate in the contest, guests submitted a written story via Facebook explaining why they should be elected “VIP” of their local Chick-fil-A restaurant, according to a Chick-fil-A press release. Each restaurant selected up to five candidates, and customers and friends voted for their favorite finalists.

The Winners and Their Stories

1 - Suzanne Medina (Chick-fil-A at Southpoint)

It would be "my pleasure" to be the Chick-fil-A at Southpoint VIP! :)

When my twin girls were babies, I would drive around trying to get them to sleep in the car, so they would be asleep at the same time. Often on my travels through town, I would treat myself by going through the drive-thru, more than I care to admit, for a large sweet tea. Sweet tea and the *occasional* French fries got me through those days where napping babies were so crucial to my sustenance!

I appreciate what Chick-fil-A is doing for our community as well. I love their support of families through their Daddy/Daughter Date Night, Princess Night, and other family friendly events. How wonderful to know that a company thinks it’s important to support the family unit.

2 - Brian Creed (Chick-fil-A in Fredericksburg)

My name is Brian, and I want to be VIP of Chick-fil-A in Fredericksburg, Va. As the VIP, I promise to be a positive role model to all customers that frequent the Fredericksburg store, along with helping to promote the Cows’ motto to "Eat Mor Chikin."

With today's fast food establishments trying to be healthier by offering their versions of chicken sandwiches, Chick-fil-A has always been at the forefront of quality food that is both healthy and delicious. As a parent of two kids, I try to keep myself in the loop as to what different restaurants offer for children and, honestly, it can get very confusing. At Chick-fil-A, I don't have that problem. I know exactly what my kids and I are getting and know that they will enjoy it. Being the VIP would be a huge honor to me, and my family, especially at a restaurant that got it right the first time and continues that tradition to this day.

3 - Edgard Collazo (Chick-fil-A at Spotsylvania Town Centre Mall)

I think I should be VIP of Chick-fil-A at Spotsylvania Towne Centre because I am an everyday customer to this restaurant. I have become good friends with many of the workers, and I love how when I go on my lunch or dinner break, I am not only getting a meal but I get to talk to some of the nicest people I've ever met. This is the best Chick-fil-A around, and it will always be my favorite place to eat!

4 - Kathy Truslow (Chick-fil-A at Celebrate Virginia)

Four years ago, my husband was diagnosed as being in renal failure and needed a kidney to survive. It was a one in a million chance, but I was the top donor. My new life with one kidney required strict dietary guidelines. Out of all fast food restaurants, Chick-fil-A is the only one that has the nutritious and healthy foods that I can eat. It is so wonderful to come to Chick-fil-A and play Bingo with such a happy Bingo caller.

There is never a time that the owner, manager, hostess or employees don’t stop at our table to talk, laugh and enjoy our company. It has one of the friendliest groups of employees in the area. We never miss Bingo and our group of four ladies is called “the Golden Girls.” More importantly, I believe in the Christian beliefs of Chick-fil-A.

5 - Elody Shojinaga (Chick-fil-A at Central Park)

Chick-fil-A is my all-time favorite restaurant. As an example, on my way to the hospital to deliver my baby I had to stop by Chick-fil-A for a “last meal.”

The Central Park Chick-fil-A is the best Chick-fil-A there is. I have noticed that individual stores have individual personalities, and this store has the best personality. They have the friendliest people working there. I will go out of my way to go to this particular Chick-fil-A.

Most of the cashiers recognize me and know that I am going to order a large unsweet tea with lemon, if nothing else. A trip to town is not complete without a stop at the Central Park Chick-fil-A for a drink. When my husband is going to town I regularly request that he bring me a cup home.

Chick-fil-A is great at supporting the community. We regularly attend Moo Bingo with the local homeschool group where Chick-fil-A allows the group to take over half the restaurant and even supplies some prizes. I enjoy evenings out with my daughter at Chick-fil-A for Family Night. They do lots of great crafts. Emily is always a ray of sunshine, even when she is struggling to make a craft work such as the infamous friendship bracelets! We have supported various organizations through the Chick-fil-A spirit nights.

I really love that at this Chick-fil-A, when I ask for “Special Sauce” to dip my fries in, they know what I am talking about! A big thanks to the Central Park Chick-fil-A’s owners’ Dad for inventing it, and it will always be “Special Sauce” to me, not “Chick-fil-A Sauce.”

Editor's Note: The Chick-fil-A in Fredericksburg did not have a photo of their winner, Brian Creed.

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