This article was originally published in The Tallahassee Democrat on September 1, 2024.
Recently, the Tallahassee Democrat reported that foodies could anticipate mini-burgers being served from Smalls Sliders out of a big orange "Can," or a "Raw Bar" and oyster shots from Shuckin' Shack planning to make their way to the capital.
This week, representatives from other food and entertainment chain establishments reached out to the Democrat indicating their interest in setting up shop here. This growing list includes a pizza chain, an amusement center, fast-casual salad and a French fry chain.
Here's a closer look at these establishments:
.png)
Donatos Pizza
This Columbus, Ohio, based pizzeria, known for its edge-to-edge toppings, just made its debut in Panama City and hopes to continue "edge to edge" expansion in neighboring Florida cities.
The other Donatos Pizza Florida locations are in Jacksonville, Orlando, Sarasota, and Naples.
"With our continued growth and franchise opportunities throughout the panhandle, we are excited for more communities to fall in love with Donatos,” Jeff Baldwin, the chain's vice president of development and franchising, said in a release.
With over 400 established stores, the chain, which offers dine-in, delivery and drive-thru services, is looking to add 10 more locations.
Donatos offers 13 signature pizzas, including "The Works" with homemade pepperoni and sausage, green peppers, yellow onions, fresh mushrooms, smoked provolone and Romano cheeses. It recently added "Bakery Crust Pizzas" as well. Outside of its specialty slices, the chain offers subs, calzones, salads and wings.
Launch Family Entertainment
This Orlando-based amusement center is looking to bring their family fun attractions for all to enjoy.
Launch Family Entertainment features 30,000 square foot facilities, with "high adrenaline" activities, including trampoline courts, bowling lanes, a basketball court, laser tag, a ninja course, a battle pit, an arcade area and the Krave eatery and bar area.
The indoor amusement center is a host for birthday parties and other programs including "Toddler Time," summer camps for the youth and "Sunday Funday" deals for those ages 21 and up. Launch Family Entertainment's other Florida locations are in Doral and West Palm Beach.
New York Fries
The Canada based-French fry establishment offers its classic and loaded fries, including the "Nacho Fries," "Flamin' Bacon" and "Pulled Pork Poutine" covered in barbecue sauce, all covered with Wisconsin cheese curds.
The loaded fries from New York Fries complement its loaded dogs, with each name corresponding with the same ingredients served in a different style.
According to other reports, the fast-casual restaurant is plotting to make their U.S. debuts in shopping malls first. Outside of its Canada locations, the chain's other locations are in New York and New Jersey.
Salata Salad Kitchen
Salata Salad Kitchen, a build-to-order salad eatery based out of Houston, Texas, is also eyeing Tallahassee for expansion.
"Salata has been driving impressive growth across the country and with three signed agreements in the Florida Panhandle, we’re looking to ramp up expansion into other areas like Tallahassee,” company president Michele Maerz said.
The fast-casual salad kitchen has nearly 100 locations that are in Texas, Georgia, Southern California, Louisiana, and North Carolina.
In addition to its build to order salads and wraps with over 50 toppings to choose from including fruits, vegetables, proteins and house made dressings, Salata also offers soups, teas and lemonades.