Despite the tough economy the National Restaurant Association is reporting growth in same-store sales for the past 12 months.

Chick-fil-A is one company that's risen above what many would expect at a time when many Americans are still cutting back on spending.

Last year, Chick-fil-A's sales topped $4 billion, a 13 percent increase over the year before. The company also posted a same-store sales increase of 7 percent.

In addition, Chick-fil-A is launching one of its most popular promotions this Friday to boost customer loyalty and increase sales even more. Cow Appreciation Day gives customers a chance to dress up as a bovine to get a free meal.

"Cow Appreciation Day certainly demonstrates just how passionate our customers are," Steve Robinson, Chick-fil-A's chief marketing officer, said.

"If you're willing to dress up like a cow for a free meal, you're obviously a loyal and even raving Chick-fil-A fan," he added.

Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy talked with CBN News Reporter Heather Sells more about the promotion, on the CBN News Channel's Morning News, July 12.

Follow @CBNNews and Heather Sells on Twitter and tweet us your #CowAppreciationDay photos.