Central Florida is home to transplants from all across the U.S. and the globe, and it’s not just people who are laying down roots in our neck of the Sunshine State.
Several regional chains are expanding outside of their usual locales and into Central Florida, no doubt to take advantage of the tourism generated by the theme parks and beaches.
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The cuisine at these chains ranges from Tex-Mex to salads to ice cream and much more.
Here’s a look at some of the regional chains looking to expand their footprint into Central Florida:
Friendly’s
Friendly’s recently opened its newest location near Walt Disney World in Orange County.
Friendly’s first opened in Massachusetts in 1935, the website said, with more than a hundred locations in 11 states along the East Coast.
This is the third Friendly’s in the Sunshine State, all of which are in Central Florida, two in Orange County and one in Melbourne, according to the company’s website.
Salad Station
Salad Station has signed a franchise agreement to open a Winter Park and Altamonte Springs location, according to a press release.
The Louisiana-based chain is a pay-by-the-pound salad bar.
There is currently one Florida location in Tampa. It is currently looking for franchisees to help expand its footprint in the Orlando and Daytona Beach area.
Rainbow Cone
A Chicago-based ice cream chain known for stacking multiple flavors onto a single cone is looking to get a toehold in Central Florida.
Rainbow Cone announced plans in a news release to open shops in Orlando in 2024.
So far, no exact addresses or opening dates have been announced.
The chain already has one Florida location open in Bradenton, which opened in September.
Pepper Lunch
Pepper Lunch, a Japanese-based restaurant chain, plans to open 10 locations across Florida within the next five years.
Ferdian Jap — along with his team, Majestic Restaurant Group — is the franchisee bringing the brand to the Orlando, Tampa and Gainesville area, according to a press release.
The first eatery in the state will open in late 2024, though it has not yet been revealed where it will be located.
Torchy’s Tacos
After several delays, Torchy’s Tacos opened its first Central Florida location in Altamonte Springs, 999 N. State Road 434, in December.
The Austin, Texas-based chain first announced plans to open two locations in the greater Orlando area in December 2021. Initially, the plan was for both locations to open in the Summer of 2022.
A second location is still in the works in the Vineland Pointe shopping complex, 11513 Regency Village Drive.
Skyline Chili
Skyline Chili is an Ohio-based chain known for putting chili on pasta.
The chain opened its first Central Florida location at 2231 Western Way in Disney’s Flamingo Crossings Town Center in November.
The Orange County location was first announced by Skyline Chili in July 2022.
This location is Skyline’s sixth Florida location, according to the company’s website.
Raising Cane’s
Raising Cane’s opened its first Central Florida location in November at 7105 Palm Parkway near the theme parks in the new O-Town West development.
Raising Cane’s first opened in Baton Rogue, Louisiana with a menu focused almost exclusively on chicken fingers, fries and coleslaw along with its signature “Cane’s Sauce.”
The chain first announced its plans to grow into Central Florida in January 2022. At the time, the company said it planned to open at least 12 locations here.
Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews
Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews is a hot rod-themed, fast-casual burger restaurant. The chain opened its first Central Florida location in 2021 at 7640 West Irlo Bronson Highway in Osceola County.
The business, based out of Fargo, North Dakota, opened its second Central Florida location in November at 11701 International Drive, Suite 100.
Buc-ee’s
Buc-ee’s is synonymous with Texas but it has quickly become a favorite for Floridians.
The first Central Florida location opened in Daytona Beach in 2021. That location is now getting ready for a massive new addition. Construction has already begun on the car wash which will be 235 feet long.
The world’s largest Buc-ee’s location is set to open up in Marion County in 2025. The massive gas station will be located near Interstate 75, north of Ocala, and will feature an 80,000-square-foot travel center.
Cowboy Chicken
The Dallas, Texas-based chain Cowboy Chicken opened its first Central Florida location in March.
The restaurant is located at 3290 Margaritaville Blvd. at the Promenade at Sunset Walk, near Kissimmee.
The company first announced plans to open in Central Florida in October 2021. At the time, the company said four restaurants were planned, but no other locations have been announced.
Cupid’s Hot Dogs
Cupid’s Hot Dog is a Southern California original with only one location outside of the state, right here in Central Florida.
The franchise is located at 1515 Lee Road in Orlando and is the fifth Cupid’s location overall. The franchise opened in March 2022. So far, no additional locations have been announced; however, Cupid’s is now sharing its kitchen with Orlando restaurant Red Panda Noodle.
Portillo’s
Since the grand opening of its first Central Florida location in 2021, Portillo’s has become a favorite in the area.
The Chicago-based chain is also planning to open at least two more Central Florida locations, one in Kissimmee and the other in Clermont.
The restaurant, which first opened in 1963, serves Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, burgers and chocolate cake.
Shipley’s
Texas-based chain Shipley Do-Nuts has big plans for expansion into Central Florida.
The chain opened its first Central Florida location in November and announced plans to open 20 more. A second location is already planned for 5919 S. Orange Blossom Trail.
The chain first announced it was coming to Central Florida in June 2022.
Jolibee
Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee opened its first Central Florida location in January.
The franchise of the Filipino chain opened at 11891 E. Colonial Drive, just south of the University of Central Florida’s main campus.
Jollibee started in the 1970s as an ice cream shop. It now has more than 1,500 locations globally.
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