LUTZ - Husband and wife Brad and Tammy Cochran were first introduced to Chicken Salad Chick in 2007, when founder Stacy Brown still sold the Southern dish out of her home.
Brown had brought samples of her classic chicken salad to a baby shower for Tammy's sister-in-law, Julie, who went on to open her own Chicken Salad Chick location in Georgia six years later.
The Cochrans loved the restaurant's warm atmosphere and unique concept, so they were determined to open a location of their own.
Three years ago, they debuted their first Chicken Salad Chick on E Fowler Ave, and earlier this week, they opened the doors to their new location in Lutz. There are already plans to open a location in Brandon later this year.
"Chicken Salad Chick has completely changed our lives for the better," Tammy Cochran said. "We never dreamed we would end up in the restaurant industry, but as we watched this concept flourish, we knew we wanted to be part of it.
"We are thrilled to be opening an additional location in the Tampa Bay area and are confident the residents of Lutz will fall in love with this Southern specialty."
Chicken Salad Chick features Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch. There are more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and desserts.
Grand opening festivities continue through the weekend with giveaways and specials.
Today (June 1), the first 50 guests at opening and the first 50 guests at 5 p.m. to purchase a Chick Trio will receive a free Chick beach towel. Guests who aren't winners can make a purchase and enter to win a free Chick beach towel.
On Saturday (June 2), the first 50 guests at opening and the first 50 guests at 5 p.m. to purchase two large Quick Chicks will receive a large Chick cooler. Guests who aren't winners can purchase two large Quick Chicks and get one free.
Chicken Salad Chick is at 17623 N Dale Mabry Highway. It is open 10:30 a.m to 8:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. For more information, call 813-488-1575, or visit chickensaladchick.com.
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