Athens’ newest eatery in the so-called “hospitality sector” of the city opened its doors for business this past week.

Bojangles’, on the south side of U.S. 72 East, specializes in chicken with “a distinctive, spicy flavor profile,” according to a company Web site. Patrons enjoyed specials all week to introduce the chain restaurant’s bill of faire to the community.

The Charlotte, N.C., based chain was begun in 1977 by Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas. According to the company Web site, the core menu is the same now as when it began in 1977: Cajun style chicken served with fresh buttermilk biscuits and other “fixins” such as dirty rice and Cajun pintos.

Bojangles’ joins nearby restaurants Ruby Tuesday’s, Starbucks and Backyard Burgers as eating places to open in the past year in the rapidly developing area on the west side of the Interstate 65.

But the popular eateries soon will have to move over for the new kid on the block. The agenda for the Tuesday meeting of the Athens Planning Commission includes a request for approval of a revised site plan for Lone Star Steakhouse to be located in Centerpointe Crossing, north of U.S. 72 and west of the interstate.

The economic recovery observed across the nation apparently is in full force here as evidenced by the Planning Commission agenda, which also lists projects for a new Fastenal store to be located in Block 1 of Glen Valley Subdivision; America’s Car Mart, to be located on the south side of U.S. 72, just west of Catfish Cabin, and Reliance Bank, to be located south of U.S. 72, east of Greenfield Drive.