Chick‑fil‑A Supply is investing over $150 million to build a new 244,000‑square‑foot distribution center in Winter Haven, Florida — part of the Central Florida Integrated Logistics Park — a project announced recently by FloridaCommerce.
The facility is expected to create more than 180 full‑time jobs and will serve around 170 Chick‑fil‑A restaurants across Florida. The company currently operates 11 distribution centers nationwide; the new Winter Haven hub will mark a significant expansion of its supply network in the Southeast.
Strategic Location & Logistics Infrastructure
The chosen site — Winter Haven’s logistics park — benefits from proximity to a rail intermodal facility operated by CSX, which is expected to streamline inbound supply flows and outbound deliveries to Chick‑fil‑A restaurants statewide.
The investment is part of Florida’s broader push to attract large‑scale warehousing and distribution operations through public‑private partnerships and infrastructure incentives.
Implications for Chick‑fil‑A’s Supply Chain and Growth
- Improved Efficiency & Freshness: The new distribution center should help Chick‑fil‑A maintain consistency in its supply of food and restaurant essentials, reducing lead times and potentially improving freshness and availability across its Florida footprint.
- Scalable Growth Base: As Chick‑fil‑A continues to open new restaurants in Florida and the broader Southeast, this hub provides needed capacity and flexibility to support rapid expansion.
- Economic & Community Impact: With hundreds of jobs created and significant capital investment, the facility represents a boost for the Winter Haven economy, aligning with state efforts to grow logistics and manufacturing sectors.
What’s Next
According to the state release, Chick‑fil‑A Supply expects to bring the Winter Haven distribution center online in 2027, giving time for construction and integration into its national logistics network.
As supply‑chain pressures and demand for quick‑service dining continue to grow, this investment reflects how major restaurant brands are increasingly treating logistics and distribution infrastructure as strategic growth enablers.
