JACKSON - Adventure Crossing USA developer Vito Cardinale's $800 million dream to build a sports and entertainment mecca to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis isn't just in his head anymore.

Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen and Taco Bell, the first of several fast-food restaurants that will serve visitors coming to the 238-acre Route 537 complex between Interstate 195 and Six Flags Great Adventure, are expected to open in about two weeks.

Young athletes have played on the facility's grassy fields.

Cardinale plans to turn Adventure Crossing into a youth sports and entertainment destination at the Jersey Shore, one that will attract youth sports teams, and other sports participants, from around the Northeast for an extended stay.

"There is no question that God has been good to us," said Cardinale, president of Cardinale Enterprises.

"There is no question that the township has been very cooperative, that people do believe the dream is now a reality and when it is all said and done and up and operating, the real goal is to build our MS research center," Cardinale said. His wife, Linda, died from the disease.

The rest of the pieces are falling into place.

A 5,500-square-foot 7-Eleven store with 16 fuel pumps, a prototype for the convenience store chain, may be ready to open by May, Cardinale said.

Warehouse growth: Why did Jackson become a 'prime spot' for warehouses?

Workers have begun construction of a large dome that will that will contain Top Golf Swing Suites and a Toptracer indoor driving range, a 20-lane Brunswick bowling alley, and six basketball courts.

"We will be hitting golf balls in one of the largest indoor domes in the United States," Cardinale said. "It's huge."

Jackson: Private schools plan is 'one big parking lot,' residents say

Construction soon will begin on a retail building next to Popeyes containing more restaurants. A Starbucks with a drive-up lane, Jersey Mike's Subs, Carvel, Cinnabon, and Panda Express with a drive-up lane, are expected, Cardinale said, adding the restaurants will have outdoor seating.

On another part of the retail strip, Cardinale said he'd like to see a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurant and a Bass Pro Shops, a hunting, fishing and camping retailer. So far, the two companies haven't seemed interested, he said.

"I am trying so hard to get Bass Pro," Cardinale said. "I want a Cracker Barrel and a Bass Pro."

Other parts of the project's first phase include a convention center, Marriot and Hilton hotels and a parking deck.

There's also a "village" component with restaurants on the ground floor and apartments above. Cardinale said he envisions restaurants with various international cuisines.

Jackson: Holiday in the Park brings winter cheer back to Six Flags Great Adventure

He also has plans for a surf park, a man-made beach and pool where operators can maneuver the size and type of wave to allow for surfing lessons.

The project also will include 1 million square feet of warehouse space across two buildings.

"We're building this beautiful sports and entertainment, travel destination location all to kill a disease," Cardinale said. "We're doing something that nobody has done."

David P. Willis, an award-winning business writer, has covered business and consumer news at the Asbury Park Press for more than 20 years. He writes APP.com's What's Going There column and can be reached at dwillis@gannettnj.com. Join his What's Going There page on Facebook for updates.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jackson NJ Adventure Crossing to open Popeye's, Taco Bell first