Orlando is no longer a morass of endless chain restaurants. The culinary scene has exploded in the last decade and change with many heavy-hitters preparing complicated and well-plated dishes for a growing contingent of foodies. (Whether or not the snoots in the James Beard Foundation notice is another matter.)
Still, there’s something to be said for the familiar. Every once in a while you want the predictable taste of a well-honed and endlessly repeated meal from a fast food restaurant. Luckily, the offerings in that realm have expanded as well.
With so many new restaurants opening seemingly every week, we figured it’s time to take a look back on all the chain shops that have found themselves in Orlando (or announced that they plan to) this year.
Bb.q Chicken1246 E. Colonial Drive,
407-250-4178This Korean chicken chain has thousands of locations across the globe. That now includes one in Mills 50. Credit: Rob BartlettChick’nCone501 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park The global chain specializing in handheld waffles stuffed with fried chicken, opened in the old George’s Gourmet Cookies space. Credit: ChicknCone/FacebookDave’s Hot Chicken
557 N Alafaya Trail Suite 110
The first Florida outpost of this Nashville-style hot chicken restaurant opened at Waterford Lakes Town Center this year. Credit: Dave's Hot ChickenBojangles101 S Oregon Ave, Sanford, (407) 320-1897Bojangles returned to Central Florida with a Sanford location that broke sales records. That pent-up demand is enough proof for the Carolina chain, who are planning 15 total stores in the Orlando metro. Credit: BojanglesThe Bagel Shop211 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park
This Boston-based New York-style bagel company (roll with it) opened up its first Central Florida location in Winter Park. Credit: The Bagel Shop/FacebookCrunCheese Korean Hot Dog465 N Alafaya Trail Suite 465, (321) 477-8813
These cheesy Korean-style hotdogs landed at Orlando’s Waterford Lakes Town Center. Credit: CrunCheeseChicken Guy!818 S Orlando Ave, Winter Park, (407) 498-3880Chicken Guy! already had an Orlando-area location. It’s Winter Park opening was a blessing for any of us who didn’t want to head all the way out to Disney Springs, however. Credit: Chicken Guy!Fresh & Co. 7728 W. Sand Lake Road, 407-734-0000This New York-based grain bowl chain left our food critic wanting more, in every sense. Credit: Rob BartlettHappy Lemon11565 University Blvd, (407) 601-5033
This Taiwanese boba tea spot opened its first Orlando location on University Blvd. Credit: Happy Lemon/InstagramWorld Famous House of MacThis Miami comfort food staple opened its first location outside of South Florida in Orlando this year. Credit: World Famous House of. MacShipley Do-Nuts
This Texas chain of donuts and kolaches will open sometime later this year at at 5919 S. Orange Blossom Trail. Credit: image courtesy Shipley Do-NutsTorchy’s Tacos
This Austin breakfast taco chain was expected in summer 2022, but it’s Orlando location has been pushed back to next year. An Altamonte Springs location is still on track to open this winter. Credit: Torchy's TacosFatburger
This iconic California chain has never made it east of of the Mississippi River. So it was a bit of a shock when they announced their intentions to open 10 Florida stores, including one in Orlando. Great things apparently take time, however, as the Fatburger ownership group said they expect the Florida operation to take six years to open all 10 stores.Skyline ChiliThis Cincinnati institution plans to bring its brand of chili-covered spaghetti to Orlando in 2023. Credit: Skyline Chili/FacebookRaising Cane’s
This Louisiana-based chicken chain announced a foray into the land of PDQ and Zaxby’s with permits on a Lake Nona location. Months later, they shared plans to open a store on I-Drive. Neither store has opened yet. Credit: Raising Cane's/InstagramPollo Campero
This Guatemalan chicken chain announced it’s triumphant return to downtown Orlando earlier this year. As of now, we’re still waiting. Credit: Pollo Campero/FacebookJack In The Box
This west coast outfit is still seeking franchisees, but expects to expand into Orlando soon. Credit: Jack in the BoxJollibee
It seemed like the cultishly beloved Filipino fast food chain would open in October. Sadly, that’s not true. Fans are still holding their breath for this chain’s fried chicken and spaghetti. Credit: Jollibee/FacebookRise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken
This chicken, biscuit and donut chain has eyes on Winter Park. Credit: RiseAthen’s Pizza
This Panamanian pizza chain with confusing punctuation is plotting a spot at 171 S. Orlando Ave in Maitland. Credit: Athen's PizzaPotbelly Sandwich Shop This Chicago-based chain already has outposts in Tampa. Orlando locations are coming in the next several years. Credit: Potbelly Sandwich ShopCredit: Courtesy photo
