New restaurant construction is booming in Hall County, including the progression of the highly anticipated Golden Corral on Browns Bridge Road.
Commuters have likely noticed that walls are up and lights are on inside the new Golden Corral, located at the intersection of Browns Bridge Road and Pearl Nix Parkway.
"This is a new concept, a new floor plan for Golden Corral, and that's part of the reason it took so long for them to actually change the plans, make modifications and actually get construction going on that site," said Tim Evans, Vice President of Development with the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce.
If you'd like to join the Golden Corral team, Evans said they are looking for people to staff the restaurant right now.
"I know they're hiring managers now, and I know expect to hire up to a hundred to staff the Golden Corral," said Evans. "They are accepting resumes directly and there are signs around the site where you can email resumes, and you can probably look online as well."
Evans said the restaurant should open before the holiday season.
Another new development with a new layout is Zaxby's in the New Holland area, near the established Chick-Fil-A and other dining options.
"Zaxby's has a new format and they wanted to construct a new location in Gainesville. They'll be moving off of the current location eventually, near Riverside Drive," Evans said.
Evans said looking in to 2019, they're expecting more restaurants in the New Holland area and around the new Lanier Tech campus on Georgia 365 north of Gainesville.
"We always have new restaurants that are in the process of opening and developing, both locally-owned and franchises. There are several areas around Gainesville and Hall County that continue to be active: Flowery Branch, Oakwood around the UNG campus, in Gainesville on Dawsonville Highway, and areas like Browns Bridge - like the redevelopment on the old Po' Folks restaurant we remember from years ago.
"I think we'll see some more activity around the New Holland area. In fact, we know that we will in 2019 see some new restaurants. With Lanier Tech's new campus opening...I think we'll see some more restaurants in that area to serve the students and the growth that's happening right there around 365 and Jesse Jewell Parkway."
Evans said it's about time to enter a busy retail season, and with the shopping season comes dining out at local eating establishments.
"We've had a few that have opened up here in the last few months, the Culver's seems to be doing well on Dawsonville Highway, but also here in the downtown area, our local retailers and restaurants continue to do well and I think it will be a busy season for them all."
