Bay County Residents Express Desire for New Dining Options

Bay County residents have voiced their preferences for new dining establishments, with a recent poll revealing a strong desire for popular restaurant chains to set up shop in the area.

In a survey conducted last week, 224 participants shared their top choices for restaurants they'd like to see in Bay County. The results are as follows:

Cheesecake Factory: 31%

P.F. Chang's: 16%

Raising Cane's: 13%

Shake Shack: 8%

Tim Hortons: 12%

Wingstop: 8%

Macaroni Grill: 25%

Church's Chicken: 3%

The Cheesecake Factory emerged as the frontrunner, capturing 31% of the votes, followed by P.F. Chang's at 16%.

Beyond the poll options, community members have expressed interest in other national chains. Suggestions include Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, In-N-Out Burger, Del Taco, Jack in the Box, White Castle, Mellow Mushroom, Bahama Breeze, Skyline Chili, and Portillo's.

While these desires are clear, Bay County has recently welcomed several new dining establishments. Notably, McGuire’s Irish Pub began construction on Front Beach Road in March 2024 and is expected to open in early February 2025. The 24,000-square-foot restaurant will seat between 600 to 650 patrons, mirroring the ambiance of its Pensacola and Destin counterparts.

Additionally, a new Costa Family McDonald's location celebrated its grand opening on December 2, 2025, at 4530 Highway 390 East. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, performances by the Bay Haven Charter Academy band, and special promotions for the first 50 drive-thru customers.

These developments reflect Bay County's ongoing growth and the community's enthusiasm for diverse dining experiences. As the area continues to expand, residents remain hopeful that their favorite restaurant chains will consider establishing a presence in the region.

Did the poll results align with your expectations? Share your thoughts and let us know which restaurants you'd like to see in Bay County.