Cowboy Chicken, the fast-casual brand known for its wood-fired rotisserie chicken and handmade side dishes, announced its newest franchise partner, Florida Fine Foods. The development deal represents the brand’s introduction to the Sunshine State, with four stores scheduled to open in the Orlando area in 2021 and 2022.
Restaurant industry veterans Jenny and Paul Bellanca weren’t looking for their next franchise opportunity when they dined at Cowboy Chicken in McDonough, Georgia. They enjoyed the exceptionally flavorful rotisserie chicken and overall experience so much, they realized they had to bring the brand to Central Florida. As longtime Central Florida residents with 20 years of restaurant experience, the Bellancas knew that Cowboy Chicken was the perfect fit for the greater Orlando market.
They previously owned and operated six Krispy Kreme Doughnuts retail locations in Orlando, Kissimmee and Winter Park, Florida, where they increased same-store retail sales by 70%, increased wholesale sales by 75% and were honored as Krispy Kreme’s top franchise at the 2017 Global Partner Summit and as the “most innovative local relationship marketing program” in 2014. The Bellancas formed Florida Fine Foods after selling their successful Krispy Kreme franchise business in mid-2020.
“The decision to partner with Cowboy Chicken was an easy one,” says Paul Bellanca. “After working in this industry for the last two decades, it is refreshing to see a concept that takes great pride and has an authentic passion for food quality and presentation for discerning diners. From rotisserie chickens rotating over the real wood fire to homemade sides made fresh daily, Cowboy Chicken is ideal for Orlando consumers who are serious about their food choices.”
Cowboy Chicken’s menu features bold, simple and natural food including all-natural chicken cooked over an open flame and a variety of homestyle sides. Since 1981, Cowboy Chicken has excelled in serving fresh ingredients while treating guests like family and employees like partners. The welcoming, authentic experience, with food as honest as a handshake, has kept guests coming back for more.
