Auburn and Opelika have grown far past the expectations of those that reside in the area. As expansion continues, businesses flock to serve the people of the prosperous neighboring communities.
Since Tiger Town's completion in 2005, many restaurants and businesses have set up shop to accommodate those living in the Auburn-Opelika area. Taziki's and BurgerFi, two of Auburn's most popular eateries, have new storefronts in Opelika's Tiger Town.
BurgerFi’s franchise owners reside in Opelika. According to Cathy Silverville, store manager of the Opelika BurgerFi, the Opelika storefront will be contributing much more than a "better burger" to the community, like the Auburn branch.
"We are very happy to be in Opelika, and we want to give back to the community as much as we can," Silverville said.
According to Silverville, BurgerFi in Opelika will be hosting benefit nights to support local groups and organizations. Benefit nights in Auburn have been a huge success, and starting the trend in a neighboring city has the workers and the community excited, Silverville said.
Silverville said BurgerFi is planning to partner with schools, churches and the hospital to assist the community in any way it can.
"We'd like to give 10 percent back to the community," Silverville said.
According to Rachel Hyink, the regional director of catering and marketing, Taziki’s was founded in Birmingham. The restaurant is considered one of the fastest growing chains in the United States, with 51 stores to date.
Hyink said she is excited about the new location, and its visibility from the interstate will be valuable for business and as a tourist attraction to Tiger Town as a whole.
Hyink said the restaurant will bring a different type of dining to Opelika.
“It’s not your typical burger and fries meal for the road,” Hyink said. “It is a different set of options.”
Hyink said she is happy about the jobs the new location creates.
“We like hiring those that live locally and have even given some people their first job," Hyink said. "It’s really exciting to see someone work through their first real job.”
Hyink said there is so much more to a restaurant such as Taziki's.
Taziki’s in Auburn partnered with Lee County chapter of the Special Olympics, and the new Opelika Tiger Town branch partnered with the Food Bank of East Alabama for its opening event. Taziki’s is known for its community outreach, and the new Opelika branch is continuing the giving trend, Hyink said.
“During our soft opening, all of the food was complimentary to those that attended, but we accepted donations that went straight to the food bank,” Hyink said.
They raised $2,500 at the soft opening, according to Hyink.
The Taziki's and the Food Bank of East Alabama share the same goal of providing healthy food to the people of Opelika and surrounding areas, Hyink said.
Both restaurants are now open and welcoming hungry customers.
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