There is such a thing as a free lunch. Moe’s Southwest Grill, which opened July 17, 2015, in The Shoppes at Kissel Village in Lititz, invited the whole town to sample its menu for free the day before its grand opening.
From rumor to reality
Lititz residents had been waiting for Moe’s since the chain confirmed it was coming to town. In early June 2015, LititzDailyNews.com learned exclusively that the restaurant would open July 17, with pre-opening community events and fundraisers on July 15 and 16, according to a spokesperson for the Lititz franchise.
The restaurant took over the former Blockbuster video store along Route 501 in The Shoppes at Kissel Village, and builders spent the early summer remodeling the space.
VIP College and Community Day
On Thursday, July 16, Moe’s held a VIP College and Community Day. Every guest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. received a free lunch and a T-shirt.
The biggest prize went to the most dedicated fans.
“The first 75 people will receive free Moe’s for a year,” spokesperson Stephen Donnelly said. “People actually camp out in line for this.”
“We are extremely happy to hear how excited the community is for us to open, and we are already getting a lot of people calling and coming in,” Donnelly said.
Moe’s also offered “a lot of other prizes and giveaways including contests for sharing the event on social media,” he said. “The event is completely free for the community, and given your popularity in the area, a good turnout is expected.”
Jobs for Lititz
The new restaurant brought jobs as well as burritos. Moe’s began accepting crew applications in the spring, months before the doors opened, and was still hiring through the opening, with an online application available for interested workers.
About Moe’s
Founded in Atlanta in 2000, Moe’s Southwest Grill is a fast-casual chain known for its build-your-own burritos, bowls, quesadillas and nachos, free chips and salsa with every meal, and its trademark greeting: employees shout “Welcome to Moe’s!” when customers walk in. Menu items carry playful names drawn from pop culture, such as the Homewrecker burrito and the Joey Bag of Donuts.
The chain grew through franchising across the United States, with restaurants run by local owners. Its grand openings often feature “free Moe’s for a year” promotions that draw lines of fans hours before the doors open.
Kissel Village
The Shoppes at Kissel Village, along Route 501 in Lititz, is home to a mix of restaurants, services and retailers. Moe’s added a quick Tex-Mex option a short drive from downtown Lititz.
A busy summer for Lititz
The opening came during a busy summer for the borough, which hosted its Fourth of July celebration in Lititz Springs Park and, a week before Moe’s opened, welcomed thousands of visitors to the U.S. Women’s Open at nearby Lancaster Country Club.
Grand opening traditions
Restaurant chains often mark new locations with giveaways and community events designed to bring in first-time customers and build loyalty. For residents, these openings can be a fun outing and a chance to try something new close to home.
New dining options
The Lititz area’s dining scene has grown steadily, mixing independent restaurants downtown with national and regional chains along the main commercial corridors.
Jobs for the community
New restaurants also bring jobs. Openings typically include part-time positions that appeal to students and others looking for flexible hours, as well as management roles, giving local residents new employment options close to home.
This article was originally published in July 2015, combining earlier LititzDailyNews.com reports on the restaurant’s hiring and opening date.