All the new chain restaurants calling Orlando home in 2023
Orlando prides itself on its many excellent homegrown restaurants, but who are we to shy away from what's universally loved? This year, we've gotten plenty of new fast-food and restaurant chains in town and even more are on the way.
Here are all the chains that have made Orlando home so far this year, and all the ones that have promised to make their way here before 2023 comes to an end.
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Photo via superica.com/buckhead
415 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
ThisTex-Mex hotspot with specialty margaritas, fresh-cooked tortillas and wood-grilled flavors galore is finally set to open in Winter Park later this fall. The restaurant features Austin-style Mexican cuisine like shrimp tacos, enchiladas, freshly house-made corn and flour tortillas, and more. Plus, there will be plenty of tequila to wash it all down.
Photo via Adobe
4220 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando
Miami Grill, the new-model rebrand of the former Miami Subs chain, has gained repute for a menu of cheesesteaks, gyros, wings, seasoned fries and healthy salads, all presented with a "South Beach vibe." The rebrand was given a big boost by partnering up with musician Pitbull a few years back. The first Orlando location will be at 4220 S. Semoran Blvd. and is slated to open in the latter days of fall this year. The second location is set for 14088 E. Colonial Drive.
Photo via Sickies Orlando/Facebook
11701 International Drive, Orlando
The menu at Sickies Garage boasts 50 different kinds of burgers and sandwiches, including the signature Sickies Burger, Turbocharged Twin Cam and Glazed Doughnut burgers.
Photo via Raising Cane's/Instagram
7105 Palm Parkway, Orlando
The Louisiana-style chicken finger purveyor earlier this fall announced it will open its first three Central Florida locations before the end of 2023. Raising Cane’s is set to open its first Orlando location Nov. 7 not far from Walt Disney World. Two more chicken spots will follow not long after.
Image via Jack in the Box/Facebook
TBA
Jack in the Box is about to "pop" its way into Central Florida for the first time in 30 years. The company announced 14 restaurants will open in both Florida and Arkansas as part of a nationwide expansion. Specific locations and opening dates have yet to be announced, but restaurants will open in Orlando, the chain said.
Photo via Jollibee/Facebook
11891 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
The long wait for Filipino fast food chain Jollibee to open the doors of its first Orlando location finally ended this year. After nearly two years of waiting that began with a cryptic billboard and a couple of teases that came to naught, Jollibee began serving its signature fried chicken and pasta in the UCF area.
Photo via Portillo's Orlando/Facebook
315 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando
This Chicago-style hot dog purveyor is opening yet another outpost in Central Florida, bringing all the Italian beef, burgers and dogs.
Photo via Fazoli's East Colonial/Facebook
4201 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
Italian fast-service chain opened its rebooted restaurant in Orlando early this fall. Established in 1988, Fazoli's popularity blossomed in the ’90s, becoming a go-to spot for fast-casual Italian. However, in 2008 the Italian eatery left Orlando, and all Fazoli's locations in Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Ohio and Florida closed. Fazoli's 2.0 boasts breadsticks, "Pizza Baked Pasta," spaghetti and fettuccine alfredo.
Photo via Rise Southern Biscuits/Instagram
110 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
North Carolina's Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken opened its Winter Park location earlier this year. Founded in 2012 by Tom Ferguson, Rise specializes in Southern comfort food including chicken sandwiches, biscuits, tater tots, fried okra and donuts.
Photo via Potbelly Sandwich Shop
2714 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
With locations already established in Tampa, Potbelly Sandwich Shop is set to open on Colonial Drive before the year runs out. According to Potbelly, this is the first of six restaurants planned for the Orlando area. Potbelly sets itself apart from other sub chains with its toasted Italian bread, which elevates a mere ham-and-cheese to a crackly, melty textural experience.
