Chick-fil-A opening Florida's first drive-thru-only location
Eating "mor chikin" is going to get a little easier on Florida's East Coast soon.
Chick-fil-A will open Florida's first drive-thru-only restaurant in Vero Beach later this summer.
Known for its chicken sandwiches and being closed on Sundays, Chick-fil-A has been exploring new restaurant prototypes and formats.
Here's what you should know about the Vero Beach drive-through location and other new Chick-fil-A restaurants and offerings.
Florida's first Chick-fil-A drive-thru-only restaurant to open in Vero Beach
"Big things are happening," Chick-fil-A Vero Beach posted on Facebook in April 2024. "This location is the only newly-built Drive-Thru Only (DTO) in the state of Florida!
"We will have the newest technology and features like a Mobile Thru lane to make our Guests experience an amazing one!"
A Chick-Fil-A representative confirmed via email the Vero Beach restaurant would be the state's first drive-through-only location.
California drive-thru-only location opened in February 2024
Chick-fil-A announced a drive-thru-only restaurant opened in Riverside, California, on Feb. 15, 2024.
"Designed for speed and efficiency, this drive-thru only location offers added convenience to serve guests through its drive-thru and a walk-up window for carry-out, along with an outdoor seating area," the company announced.
When will the new Chick-Fil-A drive-thru-only restaurant open in Vero Beach, Florida?
“It’s our pleasure to confirm we will be opening a new restaurant, Chick-fil-A East Vero Beach, located at 1481 U.S. 1, in late summer 2024. We are excited about the growth in Vero Beach," Chick-Fil-A said via email.
"Michael Kelley has been selected as the local owner-operator of Chick-fil-A East Vero Beach, and he will continue operating Chick-fil-A Vero Beach. This new restaurant will also create 80 to 120 jobs.
"We are always exploring new restaurant prototypes and formats to better serve our communities. Designed for speed and efficiency, drive-thru focused locations like Chick-fil-A East Vero Beach offer our guests more convenience. We look forward to serving our guests delicious food later this summer.”
Another new prototype Chick-fil-A opens in New York: Mobile pickup
Chick-fil-A opened its first mobile pickup restaurant in New York City on March 21, according to a news release.
The mobile pickup restaurant, according to the company, will "cater to busy New Yorkers by focusing solely on delivery and mobile app ordering for a quick and easy pickup experience."
The company said the concept is intended to fit into urban areas with heavy foot traffic.
"The restaurant will be alerted by geofencing when guests are on their way to expedite the process and ensure each meal is timed with the guest’s arrival," according to Chick-fil-A's announcement.
Will the current Chick-Fil-A restaurant remain open in Vero Beach, Florida?
Yes, Chick-fil-A said the current restaurant at 6020 Elon Lane off west State Road 60 will remain open.
How many Chick-fil-A locations are in Florida?
According to Chick-fil-A's website, there are more than 240 Chick-fil-As in Florida.
New Chick-fil-A restaurants coming to Florida
The company recently announced it plans to open another new restaurant in Naples in the former home of a Red Lobster.
Also coming — or recently opened — to Florida will be new Chick-fil-A restaurants in:
Leesburg: opening April 25
Pembroke Pines: opening April 25
Jensen Beach: opened March 9
Banana pudding at Chick-fil-A?
If you live in North Florida close to Georgia, this one is just for you: banana pudding.
Dozens of people have taken to social media since Chick-fil-A's rollout of banana pudding April 8.
The dessert is available at select Georgia locations for a limited time and on a permanent basis at just one Chic-fil-A location near Atlanta.
Cherry Berry beverages available for limited time at Chick-fil-A
Available nationwide for a limited time are Chick-fil-A's Cherry Berry beverages. The drinks will be available through June 8 while supplies last.
• Cherry Berry Sunjoy: A combination of Sunjoy and freshly brewed sweet tea, along with cherry, blueberry and cranberry flavor. Also available with combinations of Chick-fil-A diet lemonade or unsweet iced tea.• Cherry Berry Lemonade: The classic Chick-fil-A Lemonade (or diet lemonade) mixed with cherry, blueberry and cranberry flavors. • Cherry Berry Iced Tea: Freshly brewed tea mixed with cherry, blueberry and cranberry flavors. Available sweetened with real cane sugar or unsweetened, • Cherry Berry Frosted Lemonade: A combination of Chick-fil-A Lemonade (or diet lemonade) and Chick-fil-A's signature Icedream dessert, combined with cherry, blueberry and cranberry flavors.
What is Chick-fil-A known for?
Founder Truett Cathy made a decision with the founding of his first restaurant in 1946 in Hapeville, Georgia, that the restaurant would be closed on Sundays.
"Truett saw the importance of closing on Sundays so that he and his employees could set aside one day to rest, enjoy time with their families and loved ones or worship if they choose — a practice we uphold today," according to Chick-fil-A's website.
Corporate purpose: "To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A."
Contributor: Gabe Hauari, Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Chick-fil-A: Florida's 1st drive through only restaurant Vero Beach
