Second Chick-fil-A Coming to Winter Haven: New Dining Destination Unveiled!

Havendale Boulevard and 34th Street Northwest, Winter Haven, FL, USA - The vibrant dining scene in Winter Haven is buzzing with excitement as plans for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant unfold. Initial proposals were unveiled on July 17 during a Polk County Development Review Committee meeting, revealing that this second Chick-fil-A will be strategically located on 2.27 acres at the bustling intersection of Havendale Boulevard and 34th Street Northwest, right across from a new Publix that is currently under construction. The proposed restaurant will span 5,567 square feet, making it quite the spacious venue for locals and visitors alike to enjoy their favorite chicken dishes. This new addition comes as the area enjoys growth and development, with Cornerstone Collard Auburndale LLC from Hollywood stepping in as the land owner and developer involved in the project. As The Ledger reports, the first Chick-fil-A in Winter Haven is already a well-loved spot on Cypress Gardens Boulevard.

But that’s not all—exciting times lie ahead for Lakeland as well. Plans are also in motion for a new Chick-fil-A along Florida Avenue, just a short distance north of Shepherd Road. Ground preparation for this location is already under way. This new eatery will connect with other retail and restaurant spaces, which could include an ABC Liquor store and a Chipotle, creating a vibrant hub for diners and shoppers alike. The existing Chick-fil-A landscape in Lakeland is quite impressive, with four locations already established, each serving the community in various convenient locations.

A Growing Trend

Chick-fil-A’s expansion isn’t limited to Florida. The renowned chain has also set its sights northward, planning to open between 5 and 7 new restaurants in British Columbia by 2030. This follows the successful launch of three locations in Alberta in 2024. Expectations are high for the first British Columbia restaurant to welcome guests by late 2027 or early 2028. These ventures into new areas show a clear dedication to growth, as noted by Retail Insider.

Chick-fil-A’s expansion in Canada is marked by its commitment to local communities, including a generous donation of over US$500,000 to support local organizations during these restaurant openings, and continued contributions to charitable efforts like Second Harvest. Their goal—to donate $25,000 for each new restaurant—reflects their mission of community engagement and support. Since 2020, they’ve contributed more than $1.65 million towards providing meals to those in need in Canada, showcasing how their growth correlates with social responsibility.

Market Performance

There’s no arguing that Chick-fil-A is making waves in the fast-food industry. According to Business of Business, the company led the chicken restaurant segment with $10.5 billion in sales last year, clearly outpacing competitors like Wendy’s and Burger King. It’s now the third-largest chain in the U.S. by sales, closely following McDonald’s and Starbucks.

Chick-fil-A doesn’t just rely on tradition; they’re actively pursuing strategic growth. The chain has opened 129 new stores over the past year alone and has reported a significant 16.7% growth in sales. Interestingly, per-unit sales are estimated at $4.6 million, a modest increase that highlights their strong positioning in the market. Their deliberate placement of new locations in underserved areas promises exciting opportunities for further expansion, ensuring they meet the growing demand from hungry patrons.

As Winter Haven gears up for its new Chick-fil-A and other exciting developments in the area, it’s clear that the chicken chain’s expansion reflects broader growth trends in the restaurant industry. With plenty of delicious offerings and a commitment to community service, Chick-fil-A appears poised to continue its success story across the U.S. and beyond.