From the grand opening of Chick-fil-A to new restaurants, shopping centers, and commercial developments, Lehigh Acres is seeing some exciting changes!

If you've driven along Lee Boulevard or Homestead Road lately, you've probably noticed that things are looking a little different. New buildings are going up, businesses are moving in, and more dining and shopping options are making their way to the community.

For Lehigh Acres residents, that means more conveniences closer to home, new employment opportunities, and continued investment in the area.

Here's a look at what's new, what's under construction, and what's being planned for Lehigh Acres!

Chick-fil-A Officially Opened in Lehigh Acres!

Status: NOW OPEN — October 8, 2026

1110 Homestead Road North, Lehigh Acres, FL

The wait is officially over! Lehigh Acres welcomed its very first Chick-fil-A on October 8, 2026, bringing one of America's most recognizable restaurant chains to the community.

The new location offers dine-in, drive-thru, carryout, delivery, and mobile ordering.

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 6 a.m.–10 p.m.

But there's more to celebrate than chicken sandwiches!

The restaurant has brought approximately 120 jobs to the area. To celebrate its grand opening, Chick-fil-A also announced a $25,000 donation to Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida.

For residents who previously traveled to Fort Myers for their Chick-fil-A favorites, this new location offers a convenient option much closer to home.

Stonewood Crossing: A Major New Commercial Development

Status: IN DEVELOPMENT

5600 Lee Boulevard, near Leonard Boulevard

One of the most significant commercial projects underway near Lehigh Acres is Stonewood Crossing, a planned 36-acre commercial development featuring restaurants, retail businesses, and services.

The development is expected to include approximately 14 commercial lots, creating space for multiple businesses.

Announced businesses include:

• Culver's: Another location of the popular burger and frozen custard restaurant.

• Dunkin': A convenient stop for coffee, breakfast, and doughnuts.

• Goodwill Industries: A planned approximately 20,000-square-foot facility.

• Suncoast Credit Union: Bringing additional banking services to the corridor.

• Heartland Dental: Expanding access to dental care.

Additional commercial space could eventually accommodate more dining and retail options, although future tenants have not all been announced.

The project also includes roadway improvements and new access points designed to serve the commercial center.

Another Culver's Is Coming!

Status: PLANNED — Opening date not confirmed

A new Culver's is among the announced tenants at Stonewood Crossing.

The restaurant is especially meaningful for operators Miguel and Samantha Carmona, who previously worked at the original Lehigh Acres Culver's before becoming owner-operators of a Cape Coral location.

Earlier reports projected an October 2026 opening, but an official opening day has not been confirmed.

More Coffee and Convenient Dining Options

Lehigh Acres is also attracting interest from additional coffee shops and quick-service restaurants.

7 Brew Coffee: Development records identify a proposed drive-thru coffee location at Sunshine Plaza. A development order was issued in August 2026, although an opening date has not been confirmed.

Ellianos Coffee: County development records have also identified a proposed drive-thru coffee shop in Lehigh Acres. Its opening timeline remains unconfirmed.

Panda Express: Plans were submitted for a proposed restaurant with a drive-thru at Gateway Marketplace near State Road 82 and Daniels Parkway. This project remains a proposal rather than a confirmed opening.

These additions reflect growing interest in bringing more everyday dining conveniences to residents throughout the area.

More Shopping, Services & Commercial Space

It's not just restaurants!

Several projects are laying the groundwork for additional commercial growth.

Sunniland Commons: A proposed development involving commercial infrastructure and roadway improvements around Sunniland Boulevard, Lee Boulevard, and 5th Street West.

Palm Tree Plaza: A proposed smaller retail development that would replace an existing building with approximately 8,300 square feet of retail space.

Stonewood Crossing: Beyond its announced tenants, the development has room for additional businesses, with a possible grocery store discussed as one potential use. No grocery tenant has been confirmed.

These projects could create more opportunities for residents to shop, dine, and access services without traveling as far into neighboring communities.

What Does This Mean for Lehigh Acres Real Estate?

Commercial growth is about more than new restaurants and storefronts.

For homeowners and prospective buyers, additional development can mean:

• More restaurants, shopping, and services closer to home.

• Additional local employment opportunities.

• Improved access to everyday conveniences.

• New investment in roads and commercial infrastructure.

• Continued interest from businesses looking to serve the Lehigh Acres community.

Of course, new commercial development does not automatically translate into higher home values. Real estate trends are influenced by many factors, including inventory, affordability, mortgage rates, and local market conditions.

Still, the growing interest from national brands and commercial developers is an important trend worth watching.

The Future of Lehigh Acres

Lehigh Acres continues to evolve, and the opening of its first Chick-fil-A is just one example of the changes taking place.

With Stonewood Crossing progressing, additional restaurants in development, and more commercial projects being proposed, residents have plenty to look forward to.

At Treeline Realty, we love keeping our Southwest Florida community informed about the changes happening in our neighborhoods.

Whether you're already a Lehigh Acres homeowner, considering a move, or simply curious about what's coming next, we're here to help you stay connected to the community.

Which new business are you most excited to see open in Lehigh Acres?

Development information is based on publicly available news reports, commercial announcements, and planning records as of October 20, 2026. Proposed businesses, construction schedules, tenants, and opening dates are subject to change. Projects described as planned or proposed are not guaranteed to be completed.