Family Waits Hours for Cheesecake Factory Birthday Treat

People from around Michigan came to Novi Tuesday morning for the first taste of The Cheesecake Factory in the state.

The line for the restaurant's grand opening wound around outside, past Nordstrom, at Twelve Oaks Mall.

One giddy group from Belleville stood in line since the early morning to celebrate Raymond Hatcher III's 11th birthday. Wearing a noticeable birthday hat with felt candles, the 11-year-old came to celebrate his special day with family, friends and a slice of cheesecake.

>> See the video above of the birthday troop and hear from the last person in line just before The Cheesecake Factory opened.

That last person in line was Clifferd Lee, of Warren. About 10 minutes before the doors opened, he remained pumped despite being behind hundreds of people.

"I've traveled all over the United States and have been to The Cheesecake Factory and enjoyed it. And now I get an opportunity to enjoy it here in Michigan," he said.

Alethea Rowe, senior director of public relations for The Cheesecake Factory, said Novi showed the most enthusiastic response she's seen for an opening.

"Everyone has been positively overwhelmed," Rowe said, who has been with the company for more than eight years.

Read more from The Cheesecake Factory's opening day in Novi:

• Hundreds Anxious for Cheesecake Factory Opening in Novi
• What to Know When Visiting The Cheesecake Factory

Are you planning a visit to The Cheesecake Factory in Novi? What will you order? Tell us in the comments.