Construction and renovations are moving quickly on three new restaurants planned for Poplar Bluff, while a longtime retailer opened in a new space Tuesday.
A local hotel is also making moves to update the interior and exterior of a North Westwood Boulevard location.
An occupancy inspection is planned for this week at Chen’s, a Chinese buffet slated to open at the former location of Ryan’s at 929 S. Westwood Blvd. Occupancy permits are typically issued shortly before a business opens.
Renovations have taken place to remove the private rooms and open up the dining space, according to permits on file with the city. Hibachi grills have also been added.
The restaurant was purchased earlier this year by a Cape Girardeau restaurant chain. Guokai, LLC is a buying group that owns other Asian-themed restaurants in Missouri and Illinois.
A new buffet-style Mexican restaurant is also nearing the completion of renovations of a space in a new shopping center near the location of 10Box Cost Plus on Shelby Road.
Originally part of a group located in Doniphan, the restaurant has been working on finishing electrical, plumbing and remodeling work, according to the city planning department. Work started there in April and final inspections have started, officials report.
The walls and roof are up at the site of a McAlister’s Deli that will operate from a free standing building on Shelby Road. The location could be open by the fall, according to city planning department information.
Orscheln Farm & Home meanwhile has completed a $1.3 million renovation at its new 2235 N. Westwood Blvd. home. The store opened Tuesday morning.
Drury Hotels are also planing a $300,000 renovation at their location on North Westwood Boulevard, according to information filed with the city.