Chick-fil-A knows what it takes to make a milestone birthday special.
For over 15 years, Stephen Bellissimo has been going to the same Chick-fil-A every week. But at Bellissimo’s most recent visit on Sept. 21, the Oldsmar, FL restaurant chain surprised him with a giant celebration for his 100th birthday.
Along with his surprise party, Bellissimo was gifted free Chick-fil-A for life as an appreciation of his restaurant loyalty.
“Oh, I think this is just one great surprise for me. I didn’t expect anything like this,” he told Fox 13 after learning of his life-long present. “That is the best gift I could ever receive! Thank you very much!”
The fast-food chain went all out for the milestone event, decorating the interior with banners, streamers, balloons and a giant check on the wall — confirming that Bellissimo would have unlimited chicken orders at no cost.
According to the Fox news outlet, the centennial made daily visits to Chick-fil-A, just six miles outside of Tampa, up until last year when he had a fall.
Following the incident, he moved in with his son and now returns to his go-to spot about once a week. Still, at every visit, Bellissimo sits at the same booth and orders the same thing.
“Can I get my same booth?” the centenarian asked after learning of the news. “I can’t believe it!”
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His weekly trips, of which he typically stays for hours at a time, allowed him to become familiar with the Chick-fil-A staff, who now affectionately refer to him as “Mr. Steve.”
“He makes everyone here feel loved and welcomed,” said Chick-fil-A marketing director, Brittani Craft, in footage obtained by Fox 13.
So how does Bellissimo plan to use his birthday gift moving forward?
“Instead of coming once a week,” he said, “Now I’m coming every day!”
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