Those hungry for a burger and fries will soon have another option to satisfy the craving.
Jack's, a fast-food restaurant native to north Alabama, will open a new location in Opelika near the beginning of October.
"I love it that we're getting a Jack's," said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. "I think it'll be great, and I believe they'll be very successful."
The next closest Jack's is in LaFayette, and regional director Jimmy Mize said this will be his southernmost store.
"A lot of my daughter's friends went to Auburn, and they used to always tell me they needed a Jack's down there," Mize said.
The restaurant is located on Pepperell Parkway just before the Westend Court split, and Mize said he thinks the proximity to the hospital will provide the restaurant with a good customer base.
"There's a lot of doctors' offices and things behind where the restaurant is," Mize said. "Also it's kind of a gateway going into the downtown Opelika area."
Fuller said the Jack's location used to be home to a local fast-food chain called Tyler's Restaurants and then a Veggies To Go.
That building burned down, so the Jack's building is brand new.
"I appreciate Jack's making the capital investment in Opelika," Fuller said.
Besides providing burgers, fries, shakes and other items, including breakfast, Jack's will also bring 45-50 jobs to the area.
Interested candidates can apply online at www.workatjacks.com or at the Goodwill Career Center on Pepperell Parkway.
"I'm pretty excited about it," said Caleb Colquitt, senior in agricultural communications. "A lot of Auburn students go out to Tiger Town or other places in Opelika to go shopping after classes, so I think it'll get a lot of business from the students."
For students who think Opelika is too far to travel for a fast-food meal, a solution may arise soon.
"We're currently talking to someone about some property in Auburn," Mize said.
Jack's is expected to open on Oct. 5.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
