In Smyrna, one national chain has closed, but two more are ready to come in.
The Papa John’s Pizza located at 1093 S. Dupont Boulevard has closed its operations south of Smyrna-Leipsic Road at Route 13 North.
A sign on the door reads: “We apologize for the inconvenience. This store is closed. Please visit our Dover location at 1243 N. Dupont Hwy., (302) 734-2990 or go to papajohns.com. Thank you, Management.”
Calls to Dover Papa John’s about the Smyrna restaurant were directed to a manager who was not available. A second call was directed to “Papa John’s HR,” but a message left at that number was not returned as of Sept. 11.
The Smyrna takeout restaurant was opened in 2015 in a separate building by Daniel Ramirez, who at the time owned three other Papa John’s locations in Camden, Rehoboth Beach and Cambridge, Maryland.
A person answering the phone at the Dover Papa John’s would not say why the Smyrna location closed or confirm whether Ramirez still owns the location.
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Final touches at Popeyes restaurant
Construction of the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen between Firestone and Waffle House on Route 13 North is nearing completion. Access is off Cory Lane.
On Sept. 10, a “Popeyes” sign was installed on the side of the building, and crews were working in the parking lot and at the drive-thru window.
DSM Commercial has received approval to build a 1,000-square-foot restaurant with drive-thru service, said Jeremy Rothwell, Smyrna’s planning director.
In a call with DSM, the representative said she could not provide an opening date but would pass the word on to the property owner. The owner did not return her call as of September 11.
Restaurant Brands International, owner of Popeyes, Burger King, Tim Horton’s and Firehouse Subs, did not immediately respond to requests for more details about the restaurants.
Popeyes was founded in 1972 and currently has more than 2,700 restaurants in North America and about 3,600 worldwide, including 13 in Delaware. The menu features Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes, including spicy New Orleans-style fried chicken, chicken strips, chicken sandwiches, fried shrimp, fries, sides and cookies.
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Planet Fitness under construction behind Firestone
Large building under construction behind Firestone at 36 N. Cory Lane Cory Lane east of Route 13 may look like a strip mall, but it’s just one business.
Planet Fitness will open a 16,915-square-foot facility on a 2.05-acre site, said Lou Ramunno, president of landowner Lenape Properties.
The fitness center will be owned and operated by National Fitness Partners.
The opening date is tentatively set for Nov. 17, said Kelly Walker, director of public relations and communications for National Fitness Partners.
The plan is to hire approximately 10-12 employees, including a new trainer who will work at Planet Fitness Smyrna and Planet Fitness Middletown.
The Smyrna location will be the company’s 12th in Delaware.
As of June 30, Planet Fitness had approximately 19.7 million members and 2,617 stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico and Australia.
“We provide a unique environment where everyone can feel comfortable,” Walker said. “We provide a no-holds-barred, affordable, high-quality fitness experience.”
In addition to state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, the company offers a 30-minute express circuit, multiple flat-screen TVs to watch while you work out and fully equipped changing rooms. PF Black Card members also have access to massage chairs, hydromassage beds, a relaxation area and a wellness salon.
Reporter Ben Mace covers real estate, business and development news. Contact him at rmace@gannett.com.
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