On Monday, December 23, 2024, the City Council for the City of Pell City approved an incentive package to help secure two new restaurants for the community – Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.
“Residents regularly tell me that new dining options should be high on our list of priorities, so I’m very pleased to announce that two fantastic new restaurants are considering our city,” Mayor Bill Pruitt said. “This is a major win for our community, bringing new dining options, jobs, and economic growth.”
National restaurant brands Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse are in a due diligence period to consider occupying sites along US 231 at the intersection of I-20.
The $6+ million development is located along US Highway 231 and Hazelwood Dr., near the ramp to I-20 West.
Developers W.C.E. LLC and E&R Properties Inc. requested City assistance with site preparation and utility relocation costs for the project. Using the incentives, the developers propose to prepare four build-ready parcels, which cover 8.73 acres.
“Through this incentive, the City anticipates additional commercial development at the site, beyond the two named restaurants,” City Manager Brian Muenger said. “Most national tenants require interstate visibility, so it is important that the City maximize the opportunity this land provides.
The City anticipates $10 million in combined annual sales from the two restaurants.
The public hearing on the incentive package is a small portion of a years-long recruitment process. Olive Garden and LongHorn are currently in the due diligence period of the development process.
