Florida Boy Burger Co. is set to dramatically expand its presence across Florida, announcing plans to open four new restaurants in Orlando, Jacksonville, Naples, and North Port. The fast-casual restaurant chain, known for its Old-Florida themed concept and commitment to local sourcing, will invest approximately $1.6 million per location while creating 35 to 40 jobs in each market.
Co-founder Roger Lolly emphasized the company's mission to celebrate Florida's unique culture through innovative dining experiences. Each new restaurant will feature distinctive design elements that pay homage to the state's natural environment, including reclaimed cypress bars, antique postcards, and live baby alligators housed in 500-gallon freshwater tanks as part of an educational partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The restaurant's menu showcases Florida's culinary diversity, featuring 100 percent chuck-and-brisket patties sourced from a Panhandle cattle rancher cooperative. Signature dishes like gator bites, frog legs, and *swamp fries* with datil-pepper cheese sauce highlight regional ingredients and flavors that tell a distinctly Floridian story.
Beyond its culinary offerings, Florida Boy Burger demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship through its *Burgers for the Bay* initiative. The program includes annual sales donations to Everglades restoration nonprofits and monthly local waterway clean-up events, reinforcing the company's dedication to preserving Florida's natural ecosystem.
The expansion represents more than just business growth; it's a strategic effort to share Florida's cultural narrative through food and design. CFO Louis Cioffi noted that each new location is an opportunity to create jobs and invest in local communities while maintaining the brand's high-quality standards through a centralized training hub in Fort Myers.
While currently focused on Florida, the company is exploring potential expansion into neighboring Southeastern markets in 2026, suggesting a long-term vision for growth that extends beyond the state's borders. This measured approach reflects the company's commitment to sustainable, meaningful expansion that honors its original mission of celebrating Florida's unique heritage.
