Here is when Winter Garden's Maryland Fried Chicken will close

After nearly 60 years in business, one Winter Garden restaurant has announced a closing date.

The owners of Maryland Fried Chicken today announced the last intended day of business of Winter Garden’s restaurant will be Saturday, April 1. 

The property, at 13675 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, went under contract in an auction Wednesday, March 1.

The brainchild of the Constantine family, Maryland Fried Chicken originally opened for business in 1959.  

“It is with a heavy heart that we’re closing our doors after so many years in Winter Garden,” co-owner Kyle Sleeth said. “This was a place that our grandparents used to come as children and have since been bringing their families to enjoy the familiarity and homestyle feel that Maryland Fried Chicken has brought them over their lifetime.”  

Maryland Fried Chicken has become a home away from home for their staff members. The Sleeths attribute the restaurant’s longtime success to the people who work there. 

“The pressure-fried chicken is the draw for customers; but the smiles and hospitality from our staff make Maryland Fried Chicken extra special,” co-owner Sarah Sleeth said.

All contents of Maryland Fried Chicken — including furniture and equipment — will be for sale during the business’ last month. Furthermore, the Sleeths will be offering commemorative T-shirts for sale. All proceeds from these sales will be given to the staff. 

“Taking care of our people has always been our priority when closing became a reality,” Sarah Sleeth said. 

The Sleeths felt it important to send off this mainstay with a bang, so a monthlong celebration has been planned for their grand closing. Alerting residents of the closing was important to them so they could enjoy their childhood favorite chicken one last time. 

“Fifty-seven years in business deserves to be celebrated, not mourned,” they said. “We hope local residents will come in and share a favorite story with our staff. We are thankful to the residents of Winter Garden, Florida and the United States for their patronage.”