By Cindy Peterson
Chick-fil-A Breaks Ground on New Mount Dora Location
A new Chick-fil-A is officially on the way to Mount Dora, as continued growth in the city’s expanding commercial corridor continues along U.S. 441.
The restaurant is being built in the same location that will soon be home to Texas Roadhouse, First Watch and Mission BBQ, adding another major dining option to the area. The Mount Dora location will be the second Chick-fil-A operated by Rick Powell and his wife, Melissa, who operate the other Mount Dora location.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday morning, where Pastor Brooks of First Baptist Church of Umatilla led a prayer dedicating the site, the construction process and the future restaurant team.
“Pastor Brooks is a big part of our family,” Rick says, joking that his family alone funds the current restaurant with their frequent visits. “He’s been a big part of this journey with our restaurant and our team, so we wanted to open up with a word where we dedicate this site and this time to the Lord.”
The new Chick-fil-A represents another step forward for the growing Mount Dora development, which is expected to bring new jobs, dining choices and increased activity to the area once completed.
Rick and Melissa joined their team following the ceremony for photos at the site, marking the beginning of the project.
The store is expected to open June 2026.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
