McAlister's Deli joins list of new businesses coming to Poplar Bluff

A McAlister’s Deli will open on Shelby Road, marking the sixth new eatery planned for or opening in Poplar Bluff in recent weeks.

A free standing building will be constructed at the northwest corner of Tucker and Shelby, said city planner Matt Winters. It will be across from the recently opened Morina’s Italian Restaurant.

While building plans are still pending for the location, other permits are making their way through city committees.

The Planning and Zoning Commission is expected to vote Monday on a drive-thru permit for McAlister’s, after fast-tracking similar requests for a south side Taco Bell and the recently opened Lunch Box Deli and Bakery at 1301 Maud St.

Drive-thru requests for Taco Bell and the Lunch Box were approved in one meeting of P&Z and one meeting of the city council. Both groups typically require two meetings before granting these permits.

Property owner Bob Sutton wants to begin construction as soon as possible on the new Taco Bell location, Winters told city council members April 1. The 2,300-square-foot building will be on the southeast corner of highways 53 and 142. Nearly $1 million is expected to be spent on construction and storm water improvements.

Amanda Wolfram, owner of the Lunch Box, has taken over the former Rowland Stollen Bakery location and is already open, Winters said of the second request.

The Lunch Box previously operated as Ozark Country Market on the east side, Winters said. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 10.

Fuji Japanese Steakhouse has also recently opened in Mansion Mall, and plans have been announced to convert the vacant Ryan’s property into a Chinese restaurant with remodeling permits already approved.

The property for McAlister’s is owned by David Kearbey of Turn-Key Investments.

City council members also voted April 1 to approve a rezoning request for 2646 Crestwood Drive, to apartment residential. The property owned by W. Dean Million was previously RS-2 general residential.