After 18 months, this Ocala fast food outlet is open again
There’s good news for Popeyes chicken lovers: the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurant at 1713 S. Pine Ave. in Ocala has reopened after an 18-month closure for repairs and renovations.
The eatery resumed operations on Tuesday, Jan. 9. The restaurant had a packed parking lot on Friday, Jan. 12, and the store has a new feature: a double drive-thru.
Vickie Gossman and Joan Church enjoyed a meal inside the eatery’s dining area on Saturday. Gossman said she is “definitely” happy the restaurant is open again. Her favorite dish is chicken breast with mild spice.
Popeyes’ signature chicken is ”marinated for 12 hours in our traditional savory Louisiana herbs and seasonings then battered up with our crunchy southern coating,” according to Popeyes.com
Church was taking home an eight-piece chicken dinner to her family.
The store's long shutdown followed roof damage from a storm in June 2022.
According to city of Ocala building permit information, contractor Sierra Construction of Kennesaw, Georgia, was issued a commercial demolition permit on July 14, 2023, listing Sailorman, Inc. of Miami as the restaurant owner.
The same contractor was issued a commercial repair/renovation permit on Jan. 29, 2023. Final building approval came on Jan. 4, 2024.
The restaurant employs about 50 people overall.
A customer who gave his name as Rob was dining inside on Saturday. He complimented restaurant employees Ivanna and Kay for top-notch service. Rob was pleased the eatery is in full swing again.
“I’m happy to see (it reopen,)” he said.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Restaurant in South Pine Avenue reopens after rebuild, long closusre
