Huey Magoo’s plans 30 new restaurants

Lake Mary-based chicken tender chain Huey Magoo’s plans to open about 30 new restaurants this year, including some in Central Florida locations.

The chain, which is expanding and franchising, already has 20 restaurants, according to a news release. In addition to restaurants across the Southeast, Huey Magoo’s is expected to open in Boyd’s Fremont Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas by the end of the year.

“Despite the challenges in the climate last year, we reached amazing sales that we could have only dreamed of,” CEO Andy Howard said in the release. “We’re hitting on all cylinders now and are poised for enormous growth this year hitting the big 50.”

In April or May, Huey Magoo’s stores are expected to open at 310 N. Orange Ave. in downtown Orlando and on Seidel Road in the Horizon West community. One is also slated to open in Waterford Lakes late this year.

A location at 254 N. Nova Road in Ormond Beach is expected to open this month or in March.

Matt Armstrong and Thad Hudgens founded the chain in 2004.