Athens to see new dining options in the coming year

athens dining options — Athens will see some new dining options soon after multiple new eateries were approved for support by the City Council. (City of Athens)

Athens has seen some growth lately, and is one of the up-and-coming towns in North Alabama these days. And the city will soon see some new dining options, thanks to recent actions by the City Council.

Here’s more info:

Restaurants coming to Athens

This week, the City Council approved economic development project agreements for:

Texas Roadhouse and 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee, U.S. 72 at the former Haney Equipment site
Five Guys and Nothing Bundt Cakes, Kelli Drive adjacent to TJ Maxx
Athens Alehouse and Cellar, new Marion Street location on The Square
Ro’s Grille, Jefferson Street on The Square

The City’s agreement with JHR Athens Property and Gunnabel Athens LLC includes the development of Texas Roadhouse along with 7 Brew, which recently opened.

It includes 170 new jobs, retail space of over 8,700 square feet, gross annual retail sales of approximately $6 million and an investment in the property of over $17 million.

It also includes a new public street, and the potential for future retail at the site. The anticipated return on investment is five to six years.

Becoming a ‘vibrant city’

worldatlas — Athens is becoming a popular place to visit. (Hville Blast)

The City’s agreement with PBHG Properties includes the development of a Five Guys and Nothing Bundt Cakes, the creation of approximately 45 new jobs and an investment of approximately $7,500,00.

The development anticipates generating annual taxable sales of approximately $2 million. The anticipated return on investment is two to three years.

The City Council agreed to an incentive where it pays back to the developer 100 percent of city sales tax for five years or until $180,000 total is paid, whichever is first.

The two downtown restaurants will receive their funding from Athens Main Street. The City Council previously allocated $50,000 to Athens Main Street to administer a grant program for the downtown area.

“To be a vibrant community, Athens has to offer diverse options for dining and shopping in order to support the local economy. We need the franchises, and we need the small businesses. Tonight, the City Council approved agreements that support both, which helps keep sales tax dollars in Athens to support city services and schools.”

Mayor Ronnie Marks

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