J.C. Derrick
Chicken Salad Chick opened its first Gainesville location with a week of giveaways, including free chicken salad for a year to the first 100 guests.
The chain brands itself as the nation’s “only Southern inspired, fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept.” Owner Kevin Royal, who joined Chicken Salad Chick two years after being introduced to the brand, said his family is thrilled to introduce the unique menu to local residents.
“When I first stumbled upon Chicken Salad Chick, I instantly saw the potential to franchise with the brand, especially in bringing the concept to Gainesville,” Royal said in a statement. “Gainesville is home to the University of Florida and a vibrant college town, where both students and locals will enjoy Chicken Salad Chicks’ one-of-a-kind flavorful menu and Southern charm.”
The menu features chicken salad scoops and sandwiches with a variety of flavor twists, including sweet pickles and egg, onion, hickory smoked barbecue and more. The restaurant also serves pimento cheese, soups, salads and two turkey sandwiches, in addition to a “Little Chicks” children’s menu.
Chicken Salad Chick opened with social distancing measures in place, according to a company press release, which said all employees wear masks and practice proper hand washing and food safety protocols. Patio seating is also available.
Chicken Salad Chick has grown to 195 locations in 17 states since starting in Auburn, Alabama, in 2008. Most of the restaurants are in the Southeast, but they stretch northward into the Midwest and far west as Dallas and Oklahoma City.
The chain has 29 locations in Florida, including one that opened in Ocala in April, with plans to open two more later this year.
If you go:
- Address: 4062 Plaza Blvd.
- Hours: Mon-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
- Parking: free
