The news of an impending restaurant typically sends joy throughout the land. At least it does in Athens and Limestone County.

The restaurant would generate sales tax for the city and offer residents another eating-out option.

Knowing that, The News Courier was surprised when several people who read Tuesday’s story about a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurant coming to U.S. 72 East next year complained about the news on our Facebook site.

The complaints weren’t directed at Popeyes, just chicken restaurants in general. They made it clear they don’t want more chicken, they want an Olive Garden or a Steak ‘n Shake or something the city doesn’t already have.

Popeyes

On Monday, Wendy and Brian Land of Huntsville publicly announced their plans to build Popeyes at 1323 U.S. 72 East.

She said the couple were trying to obtain a small business loan 

The lot is located between Super 8 Express motel and Car Wash Express 2 near the intersection of 72 and Athens-Limestone Drive.

The intersection already has a Chick-fil-A and a Bojangles’ Famous Chicken and Biscuits. Further west on 72 are Zaxby’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken. All are chicken oriented. There is no Popeyes in Limestone County, however. The closest are in Decatur and Madison.

Eat more chicken?

In response to the Facebook comments, The News Courier asked City Planner Mac Martin why the city doesn’t attract some of the restaurants mentioned.

“Each franchise has its own set of criteria to follow, from traffic counts and number of rooftops nearby to the size of the property — space to meet their building and parking requirements,” Martin said.

Athens has about 25,000 residents but does it have the density of rooftops in particular areas to draw Olive Garden, Steak ‘n Shake or some of the other restaurants mentioned.

“Our traffic counts on U.S. 72 have generated a sizable amount of interest,” Martin said. “One concern several franchises have expressed is whether or not a location in Athens would cannibalize other locations they have in Huntsville, Decatur or Madison.

“We are in the process of trying to persuade them that Athens and its trade area is a good market for them apart from other locations. If we continue to grow in the number of residents living in Athens proper, we should see more opportunities to land more of what folks want. With residential construction soaring after our commitment to constructing the new high school, it appears we’re on the right track.”

Last year, the city made a commitment to actively seek restaurants as well as other kinds of business by hiring r360, a Birmingham retail consulting firm.

“Part of the reason we brought r360 on board was to help us in reaching out to new brands and franchises,” Martin said. “We are on the verge of bringing a new store to Athens based on our work with r360. Though not food service as requested by your followers online, it should be a nice addition. We should be able to make an announcement soon.”

One reader asked if Athens is trying to recruit healthier restaurant options for its citizenry.

“There are some food-service businesses that we’ve been in contact with that offer healthier fare,” Martin said.

No commitments yet.