Chicken Salad Chick Opens First Restaurant in Sarasota County
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Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, is set to expand its presence in Florida with the opening of its first restaurant in Sarasota County. The new location, Chicken Salad Chick of Sarasota, Fruitville Farms, is scheduled to debut on September 29, 2026, at 6650 Fruitville Road in the Fruitville Farms shopping center, just east of I-75.
The grand opening will be a community celebration, with the first 100 guests in line at 10:30 a.m. on September 29 receiving a special prize. The first guest in line will enjoy one free large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year. The next 99 guests will receive one free large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for a year. This offer is valid for the first 100 guests and is subject to the terms outlined in the press release.
In addition to the free chicken salad, the grand opening week will feature several special events and giveaways. On September 30, the first 50 guests to purchase a meal with two sides or equivalent will receive a free 16oz Tervis Tumbler. On October 1, the first 50 guests will receive a free Red Grocery Tote, and on October 2, the first 50 guests will receive a free large Chick Cooler. On October 3, the first 50 guests will receive a free large Quick Chick on their next visit.
The restaurant is the third owned and operated by franchise owner Karen Jordan, who is also the founder of Manasota Chick, LLC. Jordan's other locations include Chicken Salad Chick of Bradenton and Parrish, with Parrish opening in December 2025. Jordan is actively involved in her community, serving as an active member of organizations such as Successful Women Aligning Together, Discover Bradenton, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. She also serves on the board of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Parrish Area Business Alliance.
The opening of the new restaurant will also feature a special appearance by Dick Vitale, a renowned sports broadcaster and longtime advocate for pediatric cancer research. Vitale will attend the restaurant's Friends & Family event and ribbon cutting ceremony on behalf of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. The V Foundation, founded by ESPN and Jim Valvano, supports groundbreaking cancer research. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Vitale, purchase signed copies of his book, and learn more about the annual Dick Vitale Gala, scheduled for May 7, 2027, to help raise money for pediatric cancer research.
Chicken Salad Chick of Sarasota, Fruitville Farms will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and will offer in-restaurant dining, outdoor patio seating, take-out, third-party delivery, and catering options. The restaurant will serve a variety of made-from-scratch chicken salad flavors, fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches, and desserts.
Karen Jordan, the franchise owner, expressed her excitement about the new chapter in her business.
Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 345 restaurants across 27 states and continues its rapid expansion driven by a passionate network of franchise owners. The brand has earned consistent recognition from Entrepreneur, Franchise Times, Fast Casual, QSR, Southern Living, USA Today, and Technomic, among others.