Three new fast-food franchises have opened in Lakewood Ranch, expanding the city's fast-casual dining options.
Lakewood Ranch's dining options continue to expand, but perhaps in an unexpected direction Culver's, Panda Express.
Once a fast-food wasteland, chains have found the affluent neighbourhood to their liking.
Jimmy Rhode, owner of the newly opened Culver's at the intersection of State Road 64 and Pope Road in Sapphire Point, does not believe the trend is solely based on convenience.
"I don't believe people want to necessarily be in and out in a minute," "Rhode said. ""The residents of Lakewood Ranch value service, hospitality, and a friendly smile," he said.
Other recent additions to the fast-food market in the Lakewood Ranch region include Panda Express and Slim Chickens, both of which are located at the northwest intersection of Lorraine Road and State Road 70.
Panda Express
Rose Braonea, who manages multiple Panda Express locations regionally and assists at the new Lakewood Ranch location, reported that local interest in the restaurant exceeded expectations after its opening.
"We anticipated success, but the response from the community was astounding," she said. "I believe it doubled our expectations. We are ecstatic and honoured to be here."
Rose Braonea stated that the response to the opening of Panda Express has exceeded all expectations.
Images by Ian Swaby
The restaurant serves orange chicken, teriyaki chicken, and beef with broccoli, as well as chow mein and rice as side dishes.
Braonea stated that Panda Express was brought to Lakewood Ranch because the company perceived a need in the area. She previously stated that the closest Panda Express location was in Riverview.
She stated, "We heard one of our guests say, 'I had to drive nearly an hour to get here.'" As managers, we listened to what our guests had to say and relayed their concerns to our superiors.
Braonea stated that the restaurant's commitment to fostering an inviting atmosphere continues to attract customers.
We consider ourselves to be in the business of people "She stated, "We are excited to offer new employment opportunities to everyone. The relationship we develop with our team is how we distinguish ourselves. People drive an hour to support us because of this."
She reported that the response to job postings in the area has been overwhelmingly positive, with many applicants hailing from Sarasota and Bradenton.
Braonea stated that she began working at the restaurant as a regular employee and eventually advanced to a managerial position. "My supervisors trained and developed me throughout my entire career," she stated. "We want to provide a sense of belonging to our new members."
Slim Chickens
After living in Lakewood Ranch, Country Club's Tommy El Mahdi, director of operations for Florida's Best Chicken, LLC, saw the need for more high-quality fast-casual dining.
"Being in this community for so many years, we needed a place that serves hot, fresh, and fast food in a clean, welcoming atmosphere," he said.
Slim Chickens is located in Lakewood Ranch at 14675 State Road 70.
El Mahdi stated that his company's motto is "love the guests and help each other," and that the restaurant's food and atmosphere would demonstrate this principle.
The fast-food restaurant in Arkansas specialises in fried chicken dishes, including sandwiches, wraps, and chicken and waffles.
The chicken is hand-breaded after being marinated in buttermilk. Additionally, the restaurant is notable for its layered desserts in jars, which include chocolate brownie.
The restaurant manager, David Kennedy of Tampa, stated that Lakewood Ranch is often receptive to non-traditional Florida concepts, such as the Skyline Chili at 4112 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, making Slim Chickens a good fit for the area.
"Beginning something new in this field was exciting for me, and watching it develop from beginning to end is very exciting. It's exciting to introduce a new idea to a community, and I want to be a part of it.
Tommy El Mahdi, of Lakewood Ranch, is the operations director for Florida's Best Chicken, LLC.
Images by Ian Swaby
The community, he said, has responded positively to the restaurant.
He stated that while there are other fried chicken concepts in East County, such as Chick-fil-A and Zaxby's, Slim Chickens distinguishes itself from these restaurants by offering jar desserts.
The atmosphere at Slim Chickens, he added, is part of the restaurant's appeal.
He stated, "I believe it is a welcoming place." It's a business that welcomes the community.
He stated that people travel as far as Brandon to work at the store.
El Mahdi stated, "We think it's a pretty cool place to work."
Culver’s
Rhode stated that he first proposed opening a Culver's in Florida prior to his family's arrival in Lakewood Ranch.
It occurred in 2015 in Wisconsin, his family's former residence, as a snowstorm raged outside.
Rhode then suggested the idea to his wife, Karisa Rhode. Five months later, the Rhode family, including Britta, 10, and Ellerie, 2, relocated to Greenbrook and now resides in Sapphire Point in Lakewood Ranch.
Lakewood Ranch's Culver's is now open at 13020 State Road 64.
When Rhode arrived in 2015, he opened a Culver's franchise on Cortez Road, paving the way for his subsequent Culver's on East County's State Route 70.
Rhode acquired the location on State Route 70 from Steve and Doris Sherman. This sale included the rights to the new site at Pope Road and State Route 64.
"We knew (Pope Road and State Route 64) would be a great location from the beginning, and it has been," he said.
Jimmy Rhode owns multiple Culver's restaurants, including the Lakewood Ranch location at 13020 S.R. 64.
Images by Ian Swaby
He did not find it surprising that Lakewood Ranch has embraced fast food restaurants.
"I believe more convenient, high-quality options are crucial," he said. "You cannot continue to grow at the rate that [Culver's] is without a solid foundation, without a local owner-operator who resides in the community and frequents his restaurant daily."
Included in the causes supported by Rhode's restaurants are local sports organisations, schools, charities, and churches.
Culver's, Panda Express About
Culver's is a fast-food chain that specializes in burgers, fries, and frozen custard. The company was founded in 1984 in Sauk City, Wisconsin, and has since expanded to over 700 locations in 25 states in the United States.
Culver's is known for its "ButterBurgers," which are made with fresh, never-frozen beef, as well as its Wisconsin cheese curds and frozen custard desserts.
Panda Express is a fast-food chain that specializes in American-Chinese cuisine. The company was founded in 1983 in Glendale, California, and has since grown to over 2,000 locations in the United States and several other countries.
Panda Express is known for its orange chicken, kung pao chicken, and other dishes that are prepared quickly and served in a fast-food style.
The company also offers a range of sides, such as fried rice, chow mein, and egg rolls.
FAQs
What is Culver's famous for?
Culver's is famous for its ButterBurgers, Wisconsin cheese curds, and frozen custard desserts.
What is a ButterBurger?
A ButterBurger is a type of burger served at Culver's that is made with fresh, never-frozen beef and is served on a lightly buttered, toasted bun.
What is Culver's Flavor of the Day?
Culver's Flavor of the Day is a special frozen custard flavor that is featured each day at all Culver's locations. The flavor changes daily and is announced on Culver's website and social media pages.
Does Culver's offer any vegetarian options?
Yes, Culver's offers a vegetarian Garden Fresco Salad and a veggie burger made with a blend of vegetables, grains, and cheese.
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