In 2024, 5 well-known restaurant companies plan to open locations in Central Florida

Central Florida is set to welcome an exciting mix of restaurant chains in 2024, reflecting the region’s growing appeal as a destination for diverse and delicious dining options. From salads to tacos, and from fast food to sit-down eateries, these expansions offer something for everyone. Here’s a closer look at the restaurant chains planning to expand in the area:

  1. Just Salad: Known for its healthy and hearty salad options, Just Salad opened its third Central Florida location in January 2024 at Waterford Lakes. The New York-based chain plans to open about 20 new eateries nationwide this year, featuring popular menu items like Crispy Chicken Poblano, Thai Chicken Crunch, Tokyo Supergreens, along with avocado toast, wraps, warm bowls, soups, and smoothies​​.
  2. Torchy’s Tacos: After opening its first Central Florida location in Altamonte Springs, Torchy’s Tacos, an Austin, Texas-based chain, is looking to further its presence in the Orlando area. The chain is known for its bold taco offerings and has a second location in the works at the Vineland Pointe shopping complex​​.
  3. Skyline Chili: This Ohio-based chain, famous for its unique chili-topped pasta, opened its first Central Florida location in Disney’s Flamingo Crossings Town Center. The Orange County spot is Skyline Chili’s sixth in Florida​​.
  4. Raising Cane’s: With a menu focused on chicken fingers, fries, coleslaw, and its signature “Cane’s Sauce,” Raising Cane’s opened its first Central Florida location near the theme parks in the new O-Town West development. The chain has announced plans to open at least 12 stores in the Orlando area​​.
  5. Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews: This hot rod-themed burger restaurant from Fargo, North Dakota, opened its first Central Florida location in Osceola County and its second in Orlando. The chain is known for its unique burger creations and extensive beer selection​​.

Additional expansions include Buc-ee’s, a Texas-based travel center known for its massive store sizes and extensive retail offerings, planning its world’s largest location in Marion County for 2025.

Cowboy Chicken, Cupid’s Hot Dogs, Portillo’s, Shipley Do-Nuts, and Jollibee are also among those expanding their presence in Central Florida, offering a variety of dining options ranging from Texas-style chicken to Filipino fast food​​.

These expansions reflect the dynamic growth of Central Florida’s culinary scene, promising to enrich the dining experiences for locals and visitors alike with a wide range of flavors and dining styles.