Athens —
City of Athens officials — not to mention food fans — are smiling these days.
Recently, four restaurants have committed to set up shop in Athens — the latest of which is Little Caesars pizza, which will be located in the old Super Tans building in Heritage Square on East Tyler Street. Little Caesars joins Pizza Hut, which is being built on East Tyler Street near Walmart, and Mooyah Burger and Yogurt Shop and J.D. Tenders, both on South Palestine Street.
City Administrator Pam Burton said the city has issued building permits for all four.
“We’re really excited,” Burton said. “It’s really a boost for the local economy. This means new jobs, more sales taxes and the city will do more general fund projects. There’s also more ad valorem on the tax rolls. I think it’s positive for us. We’re very pleased.”
Athens Interim Mayor Jerry Don Vaught agrees with Burton, saying he, too, is “very excited.”
“Hopefully, this is showing that Athens is starting to prosper a little more, and get out of a slump,” Vaught said. “I don’t believe that Athens has moved as quickly as it could. That’s one thing I’m wanting as mayor. People are ready for it. This could easily move in developers. I’m so happy the restaurants chose Athens.”
City of Athens Director of Planning and Development Gary Crecelius said new restaurants could bring in other business.
“I’m glad to see any growth coming along,” Crecelius said. “It’s been a while since we have seen this kind of growth in such a short time. It helps what the city collects on sales tax. It also brings people into town to eat and do other shopping. It has a domino effect.”
Crecelius said the establishment of four new restaurants indicates strong confidence by business owners.
“It shows that the city is in kind of a strong position that people are willing to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Crecelius said. “It shows they have confidence in Athens.”
Local News
Related Photos
-
Banners proclaiming that Little Caesars pizza is coming soon to Athens wave in the wind in front of the structure on East Tyler Street in Heritage Square. The restaurant will be located in the old Super Tans building. Jeff Riggs/ Athens Review
Discussion
A tasty business boom
Little Caesars is latest food chain headed to Athens
- Local News
-
-
Breaking new ground
The ceremonial groundbreaking was held on Wednesday morning for the newest resident at Athens Industrial Park.
Med-Logics is relocating from California to a 4-acre tract on Enterprise Drive. The company, which specializes in manufacturing opthamology laser blades used in eye surgery and related technology, is bringing its entire operation to Athens. -
City’s budgets in works
The various City of Athens Departments are working on their preliminary budgets in preparation for the coming crunch of the numbers.
In 2012-2013, the city budgeted $15,462,939 for expenditures, which included more than $1.26 million for street upkeep and repairs. -
Open casting call to be held in Kemp
An open casting call for the upcoming feature film, “Hellion,” by award winning Texas director Kat Candler and Executive Producer Jeff Nichols will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 21 and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 at Underground MX Park, located at 7353 Farm-to-Market 3396 in Kemp.
-
Mayor gives update
Athens Mayor Jerry Don Vaught updated the Athens Kiwanis Club on several city projects at the Country Club on Tuesday.
-
A personal story to tell
When Donna Johnson took to the podium last week at Trinity Valley Community College, it wasn’t to tell her own story.
Johnson was the featured speaker at the college’s annual GED graduation ceremony last week. The ceremony gives students who have completed the high school equivalency exam during the past year the chance to attend commencement. -
Athens house burned
A Monday afternoon fire inflicted severe damage to a house at 911 W. Cayuga Dr. in Athens.
No one was injured in the blaze that started in the back bedroom of the residence. Athens Fire Chief John McQueary said the resident had been staying with her sister and was not at home at the time of the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation. -
Radio Club plays the field
CQ ... CQ ... CQ ... This is what you will hear this coming Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23, when the Athens Amateur Radio Club once again participates in the annual Amateur Radio Relay League’s (ARRL) National Field Day event.
-
Retired teachers get raise, fund solvency
During the final days of the 83rd Legislative Session, the Texas House approved the Teacher Retirement Actuarial Soundness Bill, or SB 1458, which will put the Teachers Retirement System on solid ground for years to come.
-
Time to have a blast
The annual Fourth of July fireworks show at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is coming up on Thursday, July 4. The show will last about one-half hour and is one of the biggest in East Texas.
The fireworks show is directed and produced by Alpha-Lee Enterprises, Inc. of Liverpool, Texas. The show is a Keep Athens Beautiful event. -
Easy there, big fella
Athens bullrider Kody Ingham hangs on during the opening round of the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Black Rodeo held at the Henderson County Fairpark Complex Friday night.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Ex-Hit Man's Past Is a Shock to Some Neighbors
Fans: Gandofini 'Put New Jersey on the Map'
Does Future of Human Race Depend on Kansas Mine?
Reining in 'Bad News' Sports Parents
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Fmr. TWA Flight 800 Investigators Want New Probe
Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7
Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion
Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial
Coiffed Cattle Get Their Close-up
In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism
Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day
Fed Suggests Bond Purchases Could Slow
AP: DOJ Broke Own Rules Seizing Phone Records
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
