New Yorkville Popeye's called a 'shining star' in a tough year

UPDATED 4:45 P.M. MONDAY, AUG. 17:

YORKVILLE – Construction on the new Popeye's on Bridge Street (Route 47) in Yorkville is progressing with city economic officials and the franchisee anticipating an early fall opening for the restaurant.

Lynn Dubajic, economic consultant for the United City of Yorkville, wrote in an economic development report ahead of an Aug. 4 city economic development committee meeting that construction is "well underway" for the location between the Millhurst Ale House and Rosati's along the east side of Route 47. She also wrote the franchisee, Texas-based Z&H Foods, Inc., has begun hiring for the location.

Dubajic wrote in the economic development report the franchisee expects to be "opening in early fall 2020."

Dubajic said on Monday, Aug. 17 there is still some utility work that needs to be done before the restaurant can open up, along with some other interior work. She said the goal is for the franchise to open up by mid-September.

Dubajic said she's thrilled to see the project close to completion and called it a bright light in a fairly dim year.

“It’s going to be our shining star,” Dubajic said.

The update comes after Dubajic officially announced the franchise's location in January.

Dubajic previously said months before the COVID-19 pandemic started to become more prevalent in Illinois that the franchisee was hoping for a summer 2020 opening date.

Dubajic confirmed during the Aug. 4 meeting that Popeye's is expected to open in September. That opening will come before an anticipated late fall opening for a Smoothie King franchise within Kendall Marketplace, she said.

"Everything is moving forward in Yorkville," Dubajic said during the meeting.

James Beau Sisson of Z&H Foods Inc. was not immediately available for additional comment on Monday.

• This story has been updated to include additional comment from Lynn Dubajic, economic consultant for the United City of Yorkville.