US-based fast-casual restaurant chain Chicken Salad Chick is set to open a new outlet in Lakeland's South shopping center at 5216 S Florida Avenue in the US state of Florida.  

The outlet is scheduled to open on 4 February 2025. 

The new establishment will be Holly and Chris Eakes' first franchise venture and the 34th Chicken Salad Chick location in the state.  

The Lakeland location will feature dining-in options, take-out, third-party delivery services and catering.  

Chicken Salad Chick will present specials and giveaways in the opening week, celebrating Southern hospitality.  

Chicken Salad Chick president and CEO Scott Deviney stated: "We're proud to continue expanding Chicken Salad Chick's footprint across Florida, a key state in our national growth strategy.  

"We're also happy to welcome the Eakes to the Chicken Salad Chick family. We're confident they'll embody our values of spreading joy, enriching lives and serving others. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they'll have in the community and how they'll make Chicken Salad Chick a go-to dining destination for locals." 

The first guest on opening day will receive a large Quick Chick chicken salad weekly for 12 months.  

The next 99 guests will receive a monthly serving for a year.  

The festivities will continue with daily giveaways until Saturday, 8 February, including branded tumblers, tote bags and coolers for early purchasers.

Holly Eakes said: "After experiencing the magic of Chicken Salad Chick, Chris and I knew it was the perfect opportunity for us to invest.  

"Lakeland and Polk County are growing rapidly, and my father's success with his local restaurant franchise gave us the confidence we needed to sign on. Plus learning that the brand originated in Auburn, where I went to school, was the cherry on top! We can't wait to bring these delicious menu items to our neighbours."

The restaurant will offer a variety of scratch-made chicken salad flavours, salads, gourmet soups, sandwiches and desserts.  

In early January 2025, Chicken Salad Chick opened a new location in Chesapeake, Virginia.