New Carter’s Fried Chicken – Lakeland Has Broken Ground, Expanding Legacy of Georgia-Based Brand
By Carol A. Gasser Moore |
LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia – The popular South Georgia restaurant Carter’s Fried Chicken has broken ground at its new location planned for Lakeland, the Lanier County seat, marking the latest chapter in the brand’s nearly 50-year history of serving up fresh, preservative-free Southern fare.
Demolition of an old building began June 11 at the corner of Murrell and Pafford Streets to make way for the new Carter’s restaurant, which city and county officials say signals continued commercial growth in the area. The property, previously owned by the Lanier County School Board, was transferred to the county board of commissioners and later sold to a private buyer connected to the restaurant project.
Carter’s Fried Chicken was founded in 1978 by Mike and Julie Carter in Adel, Georgia. The original walk-up location quickly earned a loyal following for its hand-breaded chicken, homemade coleslaw, and pit-smoked barbecue. The restaurant’s commitment to using no preservatives and freshly prepared sides remains a cornerstone of the brand’s identity.
Now under the leadership of their son, Matt Carter, the business has expanded beyond its Adel roots, adding a second company-owned location in Quitman and franchised restaurants in Nashville and now Lakeland.
The upcoming Lakeland location will feature Carter’s signature menu, including chicken fingers, catfish dinners, barbecue plates, and Southern-style sides such as fried green tomatoes and macaroni and cheese.
“This is more than just a restaurant opening,” said Lakeland Mayor Bill Darsey, who has indicated that it’s part of our broader vision to welcome new businesses that offer jobs, food options, and more reasons for people to stay and invest in our community.
No official opening date has been announced, and construction is expected to continue through the summer. City officials say updates will be provided as work progresses.
Carter’s joins a wave of new developments in Lakeland’s commercial corridor, including a planned Circle K gas station and convenience store, as local leaders work to attract more services and retailers to the area.
With a legacy steeped in Southern cooking and community values, Carter’s Fried Chicken is poised to become a new staple in Lakeland’s growing dining scene.
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For more updates on this story, follow the Lanier County News and the City of Lakeland’s official announcements.
