Operators Open First Ground-Up Chicken Salad Chick

Darin and Lyndsey Melvin are expanding their Chicken Salad Chick portfolio with a new build in Lake City, Florida, marking a milestone in their growth strategy.

The husband-and-wife franchisees have acquired seven locations across the state, including restaurants in Tallahassee. The Lake City opening is their first ground-up development, and another location in Palm Coast is scheduled to open in May.

"Darin and I are excited to officially open our first, brand-new Chicken Salad Chick restaurant," Lyndsey Melvin said. "Since acquiring our restaurants, we've worked hard to serve top-notch food with a side of genuine Southern hospitality."

The April 21 opening includes a drive-thru and a week of promotions designed to drive traffic, including a "free chicken salad for a year" offer for the first 100 guests. Additional daily giveaways are planned throughout opening week.

"We're thrilled to continue expanding Chicken Salad Chick's footprint in Florida and bring our dining experience to Lake City," said Scott Deviney, CEO and president of Chicken Salad Chick. "Lake City offers easy access to beautiful parks, lakes, and freshwater springs, including those in Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Whether guests are picking up chicken salad for a picnic or cooling off with a lemonade on a hot day, we have something for everyone. We're grateful for the way thousands of guests have embraced our brand, and we're committed to 'Spreading Joy, Enriching Lives and Serving Others' every day."

For the Melvins, the expansion reflects a shift from acquisition to development as they build infrastructure to support long-term growth across their Florida territory.

The couple also emphasizes community engagement as part of their operating approach. They regularly partner with local food banks, schools, and youth organizations, and the Lake City opening will include fundraising support for Catholic Charities' Florida Gateway Food Bank.

The new restaurant offers dine-in, patio seating, takeout, delivery, and catering, giving the operators multiple channels to serve customers and build local presence.