New restaurants, businesses, million-dollar facilities: All in store for Middle Georgia
All sorts of new restaurants and several new businesses are expected to open across Middle Georgia in the coming months.
A few are just days away from opening, while others expect to welcome guests this fall. Still others are under construction. Many are in the early planning stages.
In the mix of the plethora of restaurants are coffee shops, Mexican spots, sandwich shops, chicken joints, dessert shops, wine bars, a Filipino cafe, a BBQ place, an upscale breakfast, brunch and lunch spot and more.
Other new businesses range from car washes to discount tire and brake shops to breweries and a jazz venue. There’s also an Airbnb, a boutique hotel and downtown efficiency lofts.
Major developments include $125 million new manufacturing facility for YKK in Bibb County, a $100 million revitalization of the Macon Mall and a $450 million investment by Jack’s Link for a new plant in Perry.
Opening soon
Dunkin’ and Jersey MIke Subs — A new Dunkin’ is expected to open early this month in a new building at 1506 Sam Nunn Blvd. in Perry. A Jersey Mike’s Subs is going in on the far right with interior work still to be done. The building also houses two vacant spaces between Dunkin’ and Jersey Mike’s Subs. The new building is just west of Interstate 75 next to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.
The Hot Chik — Cathy and Michael Reece, owners of the popular Props Steak and Seafood restaurant in Warner Robins, are close to bringing their new restaurant concept to life this month. The Hot Chik at 670 Lake Joy Road, Suite 400, will offer Nashville hot chicken, rotisserie chicken, wings, fresh veggies, wine slushies, boozy milkshakes and more. Nashville hot chicken is a spicy chicken made from a blend of hot spices and sauces.
Sol Azteca Mexican Grill — This new Mexican restaurant expects to open soon in the Publix at Gunn Battle shopping center near the intersection of Watson Blvd. and U.S. 41 in Warner Robins. The bar, tables and booths are already set up inside, while finishing touches are being added from the restaurant logo on the top of the patio fireplace to flowers planted in hewed out logs.
Tesla superchargers at Buc-ee’s — This mega travel center known for its pristine restrooms and a wide assortment of food options now has more bragging rights. The Warner Robins location has added Telsa charging stations, joining Buc-ee locations in six other states in a 2021 agreement with the electric car manufacturer. The charging stations are expected to become operational early this month.
The Commodore Building — Three short term rental lofts, or AirBnBs, on the top floor of this new two-story building at 904 Commerce St. in downtown Perry are now available for booking. The lofts are designed to offer its guests a getaway stay within walking distance to shops, restaurants, live entertainment, a wine merchant and an upscale cocktail bar. The first floor is expected to house a restaurant with a bar and outdoor patio. The restaurant space is available for lease.
Cake ‘n Shake — Known for extreme milkshakes with lavish toppings such as a slice of cheesecake and a cupcake, this family-owned dessert shop is gearing up to open its Macon location later this month, said co-owner Vincent Clayton. Located in Suite 100 at Tobesofkee Crossing at 5577 Thomaston Road, the new 1,500 square foot Cake ‘n Shake will mirror the popular Warner Robins shop at 115 Margie Drive. Cake ‘n Shake also has a store in the Tanger Outlets in Locust Grove.
La’ Vino Wine Bar — Ebony Lewis, with the help of her husband, Marc, plan to open La’Vino Wine Bar in the fall at 106 South Kimberly Road in Warner Robins. Lewis wants to share her passion for wine while also creating a gathering spot to relax and socialize. Wine will also be for sale for those who just want to pop in and take a bottle home. The new spot is expected to offer wine tasting on Friday nights and live entertainment at least once a month.
Z Beans Coffee — Sally and Gus Lempsink, along with their son, Andrew Wilson, expect to open in mid-October the first franchise of Z Beans Coffee at 102 South Armed Forces Blvd. in the former Martin’s BBQ location across from Robins Air Force Base. Ecuadorian native Sally Lempsink’s dream of opening a coffee shop solidified when she walked into a Z Beans Coffee shop in downtown Macon. Z Beans Coffee has its roots in a Mercer on Mission trip to Zaruma, Ecuador, to find out if coffee was a sustainable economic alternative for mining communities.
My Lumpia Cafe — Keith and Mary Wilcots expect to open in November a casual cafe serving Filipino cuisine at 1214 Washington St. across from city hall in downtown Perry. A native of the Philippines, Mary Wilcots, who was inspired by her grandmother’s cooking, first responded to a Facebook post asking if anyone knew how to make a Filipino dish. Now, she and her husband are opening their first restaurant.
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux — Founded in 2003 by former walk-on LSU basketball player Brandon Landry, this Baton Rouge-based restaurant chain offers Louisiana-inspired cuisine. Opening soon, the restaurant will be the latest addition to Steve Rigby’s 90-acre entertainment development in Warner Robins that includes Rigby’s Entertainment Complex, Rigby’s Water World and the Best Western Plus Executive Residency.
Sonny’s BBQ — This new 4,800-square-foot restaurant opening soon at 5811 Zebulon Road in Macon offers 156 seats inside with a full bar, a covered patio, and a drive-thru, pick-up window. This is the third Sonny’s BBQ in Middle Georgia for Brad Fink, owner of Prime Hospitality, a franchisee of Sonny’s BBQ, with locations in Warner Robins and Perry. Founded in 1968 in Gainesville, Florida, Sonny’s BBQ now has more than 90 locations. Sonny’s BBQ is known for pulled pork, sweet tea and unique appetizers such as BBQ Pork Egg Rolls.
The Woodward Hotel — This nine-room literature-themed boutique hotel at 350 Second St. in the heart of historic downtown Macon is accepting online reservations. The hotel is also home to Quill, a new craft cocktail bar off Mulberry Street Lane.
In the works
‘Orleans on Carroll St. – This restaurant at 807 Carroll St. in downtown Perry expects to bring a taste of the Big Easy to downtown Perry, with its southern cuisine with a Cajun twist and the distinctive New Orleans elements that run through the space. The restaurant includes a bar and grill and a large outdoor courtyard.
Another Broken Egg Cafe — This upscale breakfast, brunch and lunch spot is going into three spaces of the Century Market Plaza Phase II. Kelly Mabie and Brandon Cox, along with their business partners, have big plans for the huge space, including adding an outdoor patio. This chain of Florida-based franchise restaurants is known for chef-driven, Southern inspired dishes.
Travis Jean Emporium and The Bohemian Den — This popular shop at 522 Cherry St. in downtown Macon has outgrown its space and is relocating to 502 Cherry St. Owner Scott Mitchell hinted on Facebook about “big things coming.” But he’s keeping that under wraps for now. The new space formerly housed Comic Plus of Macon, which relocated to 448 Second St.
Sophia’s on Second Street — Ron Whidby and his business partners are planning to open a new restaurant and cocktail bar at 428 Second St. in downtown Macon in the former spot of Lazy Susan’s Tapas Bar. The new venture is named after his daughter. Whidby also co-owns Cashman’s Pub at 370 Cherry St. in downtown Macon and The Library Tap House and Kitchen at 1530 Mercer University Drive near Mercer University.
The Butcher Shop — Amy and David Dean, owners of this popular specialty market in Warner Robins, plan to open a second location of The Butcher Shop at 4420 Forsyth Road, Suite 125, in Macon.
Baldino’s Giant Jersey Subs — Jan and Andy Clark are working to bring this popular franchise restaurant back to downtown Macon at 596 Cherry St. The interior remodel of the first floor of the Barfield Lofts building that will house the restaurant continues.
Philosophie Charcuteria and Wine Bar — The interior remodel also continues to transform the space at 616 Poplar St. in downtown Macon into what’s envisioned as an intimate, upscale gathering spot with top-notch wine selections and charcuterie boards.
Under construction
Capt. D’s — Franchisee Visvesh Patel is opening this well-known, fast-casual seafood restaurant at 3004 Russell Parkway between a McDonald’s and a Waffle House near the intersection of Russell Parkway and Lake Joy Road in Warner Robins.
Bojangles —This Charlotte-based restaurant chain known for its spicy fried chicken and made from scratch biscuits is opening a new location at 4010 Watson Blvd. in Warner Robins between an AT&T retail store and the Goo-Goo car wash.
Arby’s — This Atlanta-based restaurant chain known for its roast beef, turkey and Angus beef sandwiches has a new location that’s also under construction at 709 Lake Joy Road in Warner Robins. The restaurant also offers a deli-style line of sandwiches and salads.
Huey Magoo’s — Franchisees Danny and Trinette Rosales are opening this restaurant known for its premium chicken tenders at 711 Lake Joy Road in Warner Robins next to the new Arby’s. They’re also planning a second location in Perry next to a McDonald’s along the Perry Parkway near Publix once the Warner Robins location gets off the ground.
Skweeky Kleen Car Wash — A second location in Perry of this car wash is under construction on Plaza Connector Drive. The car wash offers multiple wash packages with options from rain repellent to rust protectant to tire shine and wax treatments. The car wash is equipped with vacuum stations with towels, window cleaners and mat cleaners.
Mavis Tires & Brakes — A new location of this national chain offering tire and brake services is going up on an outparcel of the Publix at Gunn Battle shopping center in Warner Robins. Also, a Macon location of Mavis Tires & Brakes is coming to 5591 Thomaston Road in Macon and a Perry location is planned at 1804 Houston Lake Road on an outparcel by the Publix shopping center.
Washington Lofts — When the renovation of the historic Washington Block building at 582 Mulberry St. in downtown Macon is complete, the second and third floors will offer 700-square-foot studio efficient apartments with full kitchens and baths. A new restaurant is expected to move into the first floor, where they’ll also be room for a live-work space along with the retaining the Law Office of Paul Christian.
Veterans Affairs Clinic — A $14 million VA clinic is planned for the Eastgate Shopping Center at 1309 Main St. in Perry. The interior demolition of the building has begun.
Perry pizzeria —Restaurateurs Eric Schultz and Matthew Howard are bringing an old-school pizzeria to downtown Perry at 752 Main St. Schultz owns Schultze’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop, and he and Charlie Shimp own Patio 901, both in downtown Perry. Howard owns Stoner’s Pizza Joint in Warner Robins. The building for the new pie place is undergoing an interior remodel.
In the planning stages
Crumbl Cookies —This gourmet cookie delivery and take-out company is expected to open a Warner Robins store at 2907 Watson Blvd. in the former Shane’s Rib Shack spot. Founded in 2017 in Logan, Utah, by two cousins, Crumbl Cookies is known for their rotating signature cookies and mainstay warm chocolate chip and chilled pink sugar cookies.
Dugan’s Restaurant & Bar — A franchise of an Atlanta-based sports bar known for its buffalo-style chicken wings and other pub grub such as loaded nachos and fries, quesadillas and chicken nuggets is expected to join Another Broken Egg in the Century Market Plaza Phase II.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice — This Italian ice franchise offers 40 flavors of this popular treat, soft ice cream and their signature Gelati, a layering of Italian Ice and soft ice cream, also is coming to the Century Market Plaza Phase II along with a Little Caesars pizza and a bubble tea shop.
Woodlands Coffee Roasters & Cafe — Lance and Toni Henson Slade plan to build an upscale coffee shop with a roaster on site at 1109 Ga. 96 on about four acres of vacant land next to a Goodwill. Through a partnership among the Slades, Orphanage Emmanuel in Honduras and a Honduran pastor who owns a nearby coffee plantation, children at the orphanage will be educated about “all the ways of coffee” — a way to learn a trade and rise above poverty, according to the Slades.
Amici Italian Cafe & Brewery — Franchisees of this restaurant known for its signature pizza and wings expect to build the restaurant with a brewery on site on vacant land near Perry Parkway and Washington Place in Perry. Based in Madison, Amici has more than a dozen locations in Georgia and South Carolina — including one in Macon and another in Milledgeville.
Taco Mac — A 7,500-square-foot Taco Mac restaurant is coming to 5433 Bowman Road on a 1.13 acre outparcel at the Bass Plantation Shopping Center. Founded in Atlanta, this casual dining restaurant that serves up American cuisine is known for its chicken wings and a variety of draft beers.
Otis Redding Center for the Arts — The planned 9,000-square-foot facility at 436 Cotton Ave. is expected to include practice rooms, arts lab spaces and studios for students to explore songwriting, production and performance. The Macon-Bibb County Design Review Board recently took issue with the modern design of the planned building, deeming it inappropriate for the historic downtown district. The proposal goes back before the board Sept. 6.
Also coming
YKK AP America —This maker of vinyl windows and doors for homes and businesses is expected to break ground in October for a new $125 million manufacturing facility in Bibb County’s I-75 Industrial Park.
Macon Mall revitalization — The Macon Mall is expected to undergo a $100 million transformation and revitalization to include the housing of several Macon-Bibb offices, the addition of indoor pickle ball courts and construction of an amphitheater on site.
Pressure — Cedric Penson plans to transform the former Ben’s radiator shop at 753 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. into a jazz venue.
Longleaf Distilling Co. — A micro-distillery and tasting room is coming to 664 Second St., the former If It’s Paper location, where signature whiskey and other liquors will be made.
SL Sausage Company — An upscale country store featuring meats, produce, wines and beer is coming to the northwest corner of the intersection of Bass, Zebulon and Foster roads. The store is also expected to offer a hot bar for breakfast and lunch.
Jack Link’s — This global leader in the meat snack industry is building their largest manufacturing facility on 120 acres at 720 Perry Parkway in Perry. That’s a $450 million investment.
Marriott — A TownePlace Suites by Marriott and a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott with a shared lobby and shared amenities is expected to be constructed on the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter next to the Miller Murphy Howard Building.
Church Hill on Cherry — Local businessman Bruce Riggins, in partnership with his son, Nicholas, is expected to bring an upscale, luxury cigar bar and lounge to 557 Cherry St.
Central City Commons —A 152-room hotel with an entertainment alley is proposed for 678 Poplar St., along with renovation of the nearby Newman Building for an entertainment space and construction of a six-story, 230-unit apartment building at Second and Plum streets.
Esports arena — Atlanta-based Artisan Interests purchased the former Al Sihah Shrine Temple at 745 Poplar St. for about $1.5 million with plans of leading its transformation into an esports arena complimented by a 125-plus key limited-service hotel and 400-space parking deck.