It sounds like the Nashville hot chicken craze is finally knocking on Lakeland’s door with a major national player, which is going to make the local food scene very interesting.
While the headline hints at a fast-growing regional or national powerhouse expanding into Polk County, Lakeland already has a beloved local heavyweight holding down the spicy chicken crown: LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken on South Florida Avenue.
If it’s a massive national chain eyeing the area, the prime candidate is likely Dave’s Hot Chicken.
The city has received a request for zoning verification at 3950 S. Florida Avenue, a retail storefront approximately a quarter-mile south of the Polk Parkway interchange.
The celebrity-backed franchise (with investors like Drake and Samuel L. Jackson) has been expanding aggressively across Florida, recently opening locations in Clearwater, Tampa, and Pinellas Park.
Other rapidly growing chains like Hangry Joe’s or Raising Cane’s have also been pushy with their Florida expansions.
A new chain will face stiff competition. LoveBird has built a massive local following for its 24-hour brined tenders and signature sauces. (In fact, the founders of LoveBird just opened their new smashburger concept, Grievous Angel, in downtown Lakeland across from Lake Mirror.)