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In Smyrna, national chain restaurant, fitness center plan openings while pizza shop closes

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In Smyrna, national chain restaurant, fitness center plan openings while pizza shop closes

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In Smyrna, one national chain is out, but two more are ready to come in.

Papa John’s pizza at 1093 S. Dupont Boulevard has gone out of business south of Smyrna-Leipsic Road on Route 13 North.

A sign posted on the door reads: “We apologize for the inconvenience. This store is closed. Please visit the Dover location, Dover – 1243 N. Dupont Hwy., (302) 734-2990 or go to papajohns.com. Thank you, Management.”

Calls to the Dover Papa John’s about the Smyrna restaurant were referred to the manager who wasn’t available. A second call was referred to “Papa John’s HR” but a message left at that number wasn’t returned as of Sept. 11.

The Smyrna takeout restaurant was opened in a stand-alone building in 2015 by Daniel Ramirez, who, at the time, owned three other Papa John’s locations in Camden, Rehoboth Beach and Cambridge, Maryland.

The person answering the phone at the Dover Papa John’s would not say why the Smyrna location closed or confirm if Ramirez still owned the site.

More restaurant closings: These 2 Middletown restaurants closed within a week of each other. Will they be replaced?

Finishing touches at Popeyes restaurant

Construction is nearing completion at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen between Firestone and Waffle House on Route 13 North with access from Cory Lane.

On Sept. 10 the “Popeyes” lettering had been installed on the side of the building, and crews were working on the parking lot and drive-thru.

DSM Commercial received approval to build a 1,992-square-foot restaurant with drive-thru, said Jeremy Rothwell, Smyrna director of planning.

In a call to DSM, the representative said she could not provide information about an opening date, but she would give a message to the property owner. The owner hadn’t returned the call as of Sept. 11.

Requests for more details on the restaurant were not immediately returned by Restaurant Brands International which owns Popeyes, Burger King, Tim Horton’s and Firehouse Subs.

Popeyes was founded in 1972 and now has over 2,700 restaurants in North America and a total of about 3,600 around the world, including 13 in Delaware. The menu features food inspired by Cajun and creole flavor including New Orleans-style spicy fried chicken, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, fried shrimp, fries, side dishes and biscuits.

Another new restaurant planned: Beachy fave Surf Bagel will open its first New Castle County location. We have the info

Planet Fitness under construction behind Firestone

The large building under construction behind Firestone on 36 N. Cory Lane Cory Lane east of Route 13 may look like a shopping center, but it’s just one business.

Planet Fitness will be opening a 16,915-square-foot facility on the 2.05-acre site, said Lou Ramunno, president of land owner Lenape Properties.

The fitness center will be owned and operated by National Fitness Partners.

The opening date is tentatively set for Nov. 17, said Kelly Walker, director of public relations and communications for National Fitness Partners.

Plans are to hire about 10 to 12 employees including a new trainer who will work at Planet Fitness Smyrna and Planet Fitness Middletown.

 The Smyrna site will be the company’s 12th location in Delaware.

Planet Fitness had approximately 19.7 million members and 2,617 stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico and Australia as of June 30.

“We provide a unique environment in which anyone can be comfortable,” Walker said. “We provide a non-intimidating, affordable, high-quality fitness experience.” 

Along with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, the business offers a 30-minute express circuit, numerous flat-screen televisions to watch during workouts and fully-equipped locker rooms. PF Black Card members also have access to massage chairs, hydro massage beds, a relax space wellness pod and a recovery lounge.

Reporter Ben Mace covers real estate, business and development news. Reach him at rmace@gannett.com.

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