Lake Wales gets two new franchise restaurants near Eagle Ridge Mall

One new chain restaurant recently opened in Lake Wales, and another is on the way.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers built a freestanding eatery at 23525 U.S. 27 N., across from the Eagle Ridge Mall. The chain, founded in 2002 in Wichita, Kansas, now boasts more than 400 locations in more than 30 states.

The restaurant features diner-style booth seating and sells shakes, malts and cheese curds, in addition to its signature menu items. The Lake Wales franchise offers patio seating, drive-through service and mobile ordering.

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Slim Chickens is scheduled to open Monday at 23260 U.S. 27 N., near the Eagle Ridge Mall. The fast-casual chain began with a restaurant that opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and now has more than 250 locations in 34 states, including about a dozen in Florida, and international locations in the United Kingdom.

The eatery specializes in chicken tenders served in myriad ways, along with sandwiches, wraps, Southern sides and milkshakes. Slim Chickens also offers catering services.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lake Wales gets two new franchise restaurants near Eagle Ridge Mall