Cowboy Chicken, the Dallas-based rotisserie chain known for its wood-fired chicken and handmade side dishes, is opening its first Georgia restaurant in McDonough (90 South Point Blvd.) on Monday, Sept. 3. To mark the occasion, Chrystal Jakes, wife of former NFL player Van Jakes, is serving up a Texas-sized helping of hospitality with a weeklong Grand Opening Celebration from Sept. 24-28, featuring five days of specials and the chance to win free chicken for a year.

“I’m beyond excited to finally be bringing the fantastic wood-fired flavor of Cowboy Chicken to McDonough,” says Jakes, owner of franchise operator CBJ 22 Consulting LLC. “We’ve got a great team assembled, and we’re eager to kick off this grand opening celebration to introduce our unbeatable menu and community spirit to our new neighbors.”

The week of grand opening festivities includes the following:

• Monday, Sept. 24 – Win Free Chicken for a Year and Kids Night: The first 100 guests waiting in line when the restaurant opens at 11 a.m. are entered into a drawing, and five lucky winners receive free chicken for a year. Must be 18 or older to win. For official giveaway rules, visit www.cowboychicken.com/sweepstakes-rules/. Cowboy Chicken is giving kiddos perks, too. Kids eat free after 4 p.m. with any adult entrée purchase. Dine-in only.

• Tuesday, Sept. 25 – Dine to Donate: All day long, 25% of all proceeds are donated to the Stockbridge Youth Council to support their trip to the National League of Cities’ City Summit in Los Angeles this November.

• Wednesday, Sept. 26 – Way-Back Wednesday: Cowboy Chicken is taking guests back to 1981 – the year the restaurant first opened – with original menu pricing on select items. Dine-in only.

• Thursday, Sept. 27 – Hometown Heroes Day: All members of law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, nurses, doctors, and active and veteran military personnel receive 50% off all dine-in purchases. Must present badge or proof of profession.

• Friday, Sept. 28 – Eagle’s Landing High School Spirit Night: All guests dining in the restaurant and wearing Eagle’s Landing High School swag or apparel will receive a free cobbler with the purchase of an entrée. Dine-in only.

CBJ 22 Consulting LLC has signed a five-store franchise agreement to bring the growing Cowboy Chicken brand to Atlanta and surrounding areas. Since 1992, the Jakes have led their company with a commitment to 100% customer satisfaction and community involvement. In 2018, the Jakes were awarded the Legendary Award for their continuous community service work. Before becoming involved in the hospitality industry, the now retired Van Jakes spent six seasons in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs, the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers.

Cowboy Chicken McDonough is located at 90 South Point Blvd. The new 2,800-square foot restaurant centers on a large, wood-burning rotisserie where guests can view the chickens roasting from the rustic-meets-modern dining area. The restaurant seats up to 144 guests and serves lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.