Officials press Popeye�s corporate office over unfinished site turned neighborhood eyesore

Councilors raised concern about an unfinished Popeyes restaurant that several business owners say is an eyesore on Texas Avenue. Director John Coleman said the town will try to get corporate-level attention to speed completion or improve the site's appearance.

"What I plan to do, is get in direct contact with the CEO of the corporation itself located in Florida and explained to him that his proposed development is an eyesore in a very critical part of the downtown center," Coleman said. He described plywood in door and window openings and said it appears interior kitchen work and fixtures may not be installed, suggesting the building could be transferrable to another franchise if improvements are not completed.

Councilors said the current condition is not serving the community or the brand well and asked staff to seek answers and, if possible, expedite remediation or completion.