By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
Although exact plans are not known yet, a sign posted on the side of the former Church’s Fried Chicken building indicates that Papa John’s International will open a pizzeria on the site in the relatively near future.
The sign, placed on the Southfield window of the former chicken establishment, proclaims that the pizza restaurant is “coming soon.” But how soon is still up in the air.
Mayor Jim Staff said officials of the pizza delivery and carryout company haven’t made up their mind whether to refurbish the building or tear it down and start anew.
“I talked to their engineer or contractor, and he came by and cleaned everything up,” the mayor said. “He tore out some of the stuff inside, but said he wasn’t sure if they were going to tear it down or remodel it.”
City Codes Enforcement Officers Greg Vaughn and Chris Black said last week the company had not yet filed any plans or furnished any drawings. Staff said the company wouldn’t need a license to raze the building, but would need a business license before it commenced operations within the city.
Papa John’s International is reportedly the fourth-largest pizza delivery restaurant chain in the U.S., with headquarters in the Atlanta, Ga. and Louisville, Kent. metropolitan areas.