Construction of Crystal Lake Popeye's could begin this summer

Construction of a new Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen could begin this summer.

The popular Cajun fast-food chain will set up shop on the eastern corner of McHenry Avenue and Route 14. The site is the former home of Coventry Motors.

The operator of the other Popeye’s in the region approached the city last fall about opening the restaurant, and a design team still is working to get final designs approved, Crystal Lake senior planner Elizabeth Maxwell said.

The old Coventry Motors buildings will be demolished.

“[The operator] wants to get going as soon as he can,” Maxwell said. “Once they kind of work out these last issues, he’ll be able to pull permits and get started. We’re hopeful by this summer.”

Maxwell said the restaurant will sit on a watershed, so engineers must find a way to get water on-site, among other things.

The operator is working with Ringwood-based Condon Consulting Engineers and Sugar Grove-based Gleason Architects.

“There’s still a little bit of plan review, but we’re in the final stage of getting everything wrapped up,” Maxwell said.

The restaurant will include a drive-thru and outdoor seating area.

The franchise operator could not be reached for comment.

Jody Barry, who works nearby at Crystal Lake Brake & Auto, said the restaurant could be a convenient lunch option.

“I would dig it – it would be another option,” the 19-year-old said. “When we work around here, there’s limited options of where to go.”