Chen's Duck & Dumplings, the Beijing-style duck and soup-dumpling concept that debuted inside Hong BBQ & Hot Pot in Brandon, is lining up a second location in Lakeland. Public filings and state business records point to a South Florida Avenue site that would bring Peking duck, soup dumplings and other Beijing classics into the city. The move would give Polk County diners a sit-down option for XLB-style dumplings without making the drive to Brandon.
Paper Trail Points To 5125 S Florida Ave
Plan-review paperwork submitted by Hong Hot Pot Lakeland LLC lists Chen's Duck & Dumplings at 5125 S Florida Ave, as reported by WhatNow. The Florida Division of Corporations lists HONG HOT POT LAKELAND LLC at the same address, reinforcing the link between the franchising entity and the property. Those public records are the clearest indication so far that a Chen's outpost is planned for the site.
Permits And The Space
Construction and permit tracking sites show a commercial build-out tied to 5125 S Florida Ave. Leaders Construction is associated with permit BC-2023-1315 for that address, according to construction aggregation listings. Commercial property marketing also pitches the location as a second-generation restaurant space on South Florida Avenue, suggesting the shell is ready for a new full-service tenant. Together, those details point to a sizable interior fit-out rather than a quick takeout conversion.
What Chen's Will Serve
Chen's menu centers on slow-roasted Peking duck and handmade soup dumplings, with chili wontons, scallion pancakes, osmanthus-glazed spare ribs and Lanzhou beef noodle soup also in the mix, according to Chen's website. The brand even describes Peking duck as "a flavor that flows through time," underscoring the concept's Beijing roots. Those specialty offerings help set the concept apart from many standard local takeout counters.
Where This Fits Locally
Lakeland's South Florida Avenue corridor has seen a steady wave of new eateries and expansions, with local coverage highlighting hot-pot and casual dining concepts arriving on the strip. A Chen's outpost would deepen the neighborhood's Asian dining options by adding table-service Peking duck and XLB-style soup dumplings that remain uncommon in Polk County. For diners chasing Beijing-style dumplings, the arrival would stand out.
There is no public opening date yet. Filings and listings surface the LLC and permits but do not include a grand-opening timetable. Chen's posts its menu and hours on its website, and WhatNow points readers to the Instagram handle @hongbrandonchensdd for updates. We will update this story when the restaurant files a formal opening notice or sets a date.
