Chick-fil-A Opens $150M Distribution Center In Winter Haven
Originally published on December 3, 2025
FloridaCommerce announced a major logistics and manufacturing investment in Winter Haven’s Central Florida Integrated Logistics Park. A new 244,000-square-foot distribution facility operated by Chick-fil-A Supply represents more than $150 million in capital investment and is expected to create more than 180 full-time jobs when it opens in 2027.
The project was supported through partnerships between the Winter Haven Economic Development Council, CSX, and the State of Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $1.5 million to Winter Haven through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to support the development.
Facility Details
The distribution center will serve approximately 170 Chick-fil-A restaurants across Florida. Chick-fil-A Supply currently operates 11 distribution centers nationwide, including an existing location in Weston, Florida. According to the announcement, the new facility will ensure restaurants have consistent access to food and products needed for daily operations.
Josh Grote, Chick-fil-A Supply Executive Director, stated in the release that the company is “committed to investing in local communities to create jobs and strengthen support for locally owned and operated Chick-fil-A restaurants.”
Economic Impact
The investment strengthens Florida’s position in the logistics and manufacturing sectors. The Central Florida Integrated Logistics Park has been developed as a strategic hub for distribution and intermodal operations, benefiting from proximity to major transportation corridors.
Bruce Lyon, President of the Winter Haven Economic Development Council, noted that the project “highlights the strength of the Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center and its expanding role in Florida’s economy.” He also thanked Tratt Properties for their partnership in developing the industrial park.
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly emphasized that the investment demonstrates the success of the state’s strategy to attract large-scale industrial and intermodal development. According to the announcement, the project represents “clear evidence that our strategy is working—bringing in major companies that are creating sustainable jobs for Floridians.”
Regional Context
Winter Haven is part of Central Florida’s growing logistics corridor, which benefits from access to Interstate 4, proximity to major metropolitan areas including Tampa and Orlando, and established rail infrastructure through CSX. The region has seen increased investment in warehouse and distribution facilities over the past several years as companies seek strategically located operations to serve Florida’s growing population.
The 180 full-time jobs created by the facility will add to the region’s employment base in logistics and supply chain operations. Distribution center jobs typically include warehouse associates, forklift operators, inventory managers, transportation coordinators, and administrative staff.
Timeline
Construction is underway, with the facility scheduled to open in 2027. Once operational, the distribution center will handle receiving, storage, and delivery of food products and supplies to Chick-fil-A restaurants throughout Florida.
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