Seafood, chicken, sandwiches & more: These new restaurants are coming to Warner Robins

From a well known seafood restaurant to a sandwich shop known for its freshly sliced meats to a new eatery introducing Nashville hot chicken, several new restaurants are coming to Warner Robins.

That’s in addition to others that have opened recently, including three authentic Mexican restaurants in the past three months and a long-anticipated Italian restaurant. Others are close to opening or are in the works.

Here’s a roundup:

Bojangles’ — A new location for this Charlotte-based restaurant chain known for its spicy fried chicken and made-from-scratch biscuits is going up at 4010 Watson Blvd. on 1.57 acres between an AT&T retail store and the Goo-Goo car wash. The concrete foundation has been poured. No word yet on targeted opening date.

Capt. D’s — Sandwiched between a Waffle House and a McDonald’s along Russell Parkway near its intersection with Lake Joy Road, this well-known fast-casual seafood restaurant is expected to start going up soon. Franchisee Visvesh Patel expects to open the estimated 2,800 square foot restaurant in mid-September, barring any major supply chain issues. The restaurant will be able to seat 44 people and will have a drive-thru. The restaurant will be similar to a Capt. D’s that Patel opened in Cochran in September 2019.

Arby’s — Construction is well underway at 709 Lake Joy Road for the newest Warner Robins franchise location for this Atlanta-based sandwich chain known for its high-quality, freshly-sliced meats. The company recently entered the burger business with the launch of its Wagyu Steakhouse Burger at participating restaurants for a limited time. No word yet on a targeted opening date.

The Hot Chik — Michael and Cathy Reece, owners of the popular Props Steak and Seafood in Warner Robins, are opening a new restaurant with a totally different dining concept. The Hot Chik is expected to open mid to late July at 670 Lake Joy Road in the Kathleen community in the former spot of The Taco Shed and before that, Shane’s Rib Shack. The Hot Chik will offer Nashville hot chicken, rotisserie chicken, wings, lots of fresh vegetables, wine slushies, boozy milkshakes and more. Nashville hot chicken is a very spicy chicken made from a blend of hot spices and sauce. They’ll also offer a non-spicy chicken.

Coming soon

Walk-On’s — Construction is moving along steadily of a Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux on the Rigby’s 90-acre entertainment development, which includes Rigby’s Entertainment Complex, Rigby’s Water World and Best Western Plus Executive Residency. Known for its made-from-scratch Louisiana cuisine and family-friendly, game-day atmosphere, the restaurant is going up next to the Best Western. The Warner Robins location is the first Walk-On’s planned for Georgia. The restaurant may open this summer.

Huey Magoo’s — Danny and Trinette Rosales, who purchased the franchise rights for Huey Magoo’s in Houston County, are building their first at 711 Lake Joy Road next to a new Arby’s now under construction. Huey Magoo’s restaurants are known for their chicken tenders. The Warner Robins location, which will be about 2,500 square feet with a covered patio and a drive-thru, is targeted to open late summer or early fall. They’ve already purchased the land for their second location in Perry next to a McDonald’s along the Perry Parkway near the Publix shopping center.

Nothing Bundt Cakes — A new franchise bakery is coming to the Century Market Plaza. The new bakery will be located in the space formerly occupied by the Emporium in Phase 1 of the shopping plaza at 810 Ga. 96. An interior remodel is now underway. Known for handcrafted bundt cakes made with real butter, eggs and cream cheese, the new franchise bakery is owned by sisters Sandy Kahley and Heather Jordan.

Now open

Fresco Italiano — Brother and sister Christian and Monica Torres of the Torres Hospitality Group quietly opened this casual fine dining Italian restaurant at 1208 Russell Parkway. Having just received their alcohol license Friday, they expect to be fully stocked this week. The family owned and operated restaurant offers 100% black Angus aged steak from Creekstone Farms, a variety of pasta dishes, a charcuterie bar and a dessert bar. They’ll also have a a full-service bar and a wine-tasting bar. The Torres family opened their first Fresco Italiano in Sylvester and later relocated the popular restaurant to Tifton.

Jack’s — Jack’s Family Restaurants celebrated last Monday the grand opening of its new Jack’s location at 1284 South Houston Lake Road. Vehicles have been lined up and wrapped up around the drive-thru often over the last several days. In April, Jack’s opened its first Middle Georgia location in Gray at 209 W. Clinton St. Known for its Southern hospitality and fresh buttermilk biscuits made from scratch, Jack’s serves up chicken, burgers, salads and more.

Taqueria La Pina Loka — Beatriz Aguilar started with a Mexican snacks and ice cream shop next to the Food Depot at 2203 Watson Blvd. two years ago. In February, she closed La Pina Loka Snacks and reopened in early May as Taqueria La Pina Loka, an authentic Mexican restaurant. The small restaurant is located at 2203 Watson Blvd., Suite Z.

Taqueria Don Sammy — This small family owned and operated restaurant offering authentic Mexican food at 1431 Watson Blvd. is nestled between an Auto Zone and Sharron’s Flower House. With the help of their three sons, Samuel “Sammy” Naranjo and Jenny Ramirez offer up Mexican street tacos, quesadillas, tortas and burritos.

El Ranchito — Adriana Martinez and Christian Ledezma, a husband and wife team, opened this authentic Mexican restaurant at 726 North Davis Drive, Suite B, in April. Their fledgling restaurant at 726 North Davis Drive, Suite B, is located at the end of a small shopping strip that includes a mini market. They’re busy in the mornings with options such as breakfast chilaquiles with chips, red salsa, sour cream, cilantro and egg. They also offer a daily plate of a Mexican meal like they fix at home along with street tacos and other menu offerings.

Chick-fil-A — Known for their chicken sandwiches, friendly service and being closed on Sundays, the new Chick-fil-A at 621 Russell Parkway opened in late April, replacing the Watson Boulevard location near Houston Medical Center. The new state-of-the-art store has a larger kitchen, more parking and features a double-lane drive-thru.

Dough Bros’ Pizza Joint — Jacob and Mandy Ragsdale of Savannah opened Dough Bros’ Pizza Joint 6001 Watson Blvd. on March 1. Their pizzeria is located next to The Greek Village Express in a shopping strip anchored by a gas station at the intersection of Watson Blvd. and U.S. 41. In addition to pizza, they also serve up wings, salads, sandwiches and BBQ.

McAlister’s Deli — Known for their deli sandwiches, salads, spuds and sweet tea, this national restaurant chain opened a location at 760 Ga. 96 in the Bonaire community in late March. The restaurant offers dine-in seating, takeout and order-ahead drive thru.

Little Light Coffee Co. — Sophia Gargicevich-Almeida launched a mobile espresso bar a little over a year ago. The popularity of her mobile business led her to open a storefront in March at 4027 Watson Blvd., Suite 220. She also offers a few breakfast items and her own coffee brand, Little Light Coffee Co., available in both whole bean and drip grind.