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Hundreds Line Up For Cheesecake Factory Opening

cheesecake factory line (1)
(credit: Pat Sweeting/WWJ)

NOVI (WWJ) - Long lines greeted people hoping to eat at the new Cheesecake Factory at Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi.

Some excited metro Detroiters began waiting at around 6 a.m., although it would be hours before the popular chain restaurant would open.

At one point, more than one hundred hungry patrons were on queue.

patrons
(credit: Pat Sweeting/WWJ)

Stephanie Chalk's hoped to celebrate her birthday during the Grand Opening Tuesday — but the hours-long wait that patrons were told to expect was a little more than she bargained for.

Chalk was amazed by the huge turnout.

"I, you know, frequent [the restaurant] in other places throughout the country, so, I know the food is good, and I know it's worth the wait," she told WWJ Newsradio 950's Pat Sweeting. "But, it's my birthday, so, we'll do whatever comes. We'll have fun."

Chalk was among those to give up and go elsewhere, but others waited three or four hours to get in.

For Felicia Holmes of Canton, it was no big deal.

"We used to drive down to Ohio to go ... and it took about 20 minutes to get here," Holmes said. "I'm like: three hour drive ... or three hour wait?"

At least this way she'll save on gas, Holmes said.

Known for its generous portions and "legendary" desserts, The Cheesecake Factory offers more than 250 menu selections. Appetizers, seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches, small plates and snacks are made in-house, from scratch daily, according to the company. Patrons often end their meal with one of the more than 35 varieties of cheesecake.

The 8,430-square-foot restaurant accommodates approximately 225 guests and another 60 on the patio.

Novi's Cheesecake Factory will be the restaurant chain's 164th location in the country. It's the first in the state.

cheesecake factory line (2)
Outside Cheesecake Factory in Novi (credit: Pat Sweeting/WWJ) FILE
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