Jack’s Family Restaurants is expected to open its Linden location in October and will begin construction this week. The restaurant is set to employ 40 people and invest over $1.8 million dollars into the city.

Discussions for Jack’s, to be located at intersection of North Main Street and South Avenue, began in May of last year at a city council meeting before eventually agreeing on selling three adjoining property lots to the company for $7,500, a 60 percent sales tax abatement during the first five years of operation and a 50 percent sales tax abatement during the second five years.

According to Mayor Charles Moore, the council decided on the agreement without much debate. “Everyone was unanimous. Everyone was excited, ready to go.”

However, by August, Jack’s representatives informed the council that the company would pursue a Greensboro location before revisiting the possibility of a Linden location. It wasn’t until this May that a sales agreement was signed including the same terms as before and a Jack’s location in Linden became a reality. Moore said the city remained in constant contact with a company representative throughout the wait.

The company initially reached out to the owner of J&K Junction, the restaurant that Jack’s is replacing, about acquiring the property. Jack’s later brought the offer to the attention of the city council and later settled on the agreement with the city and a separate one with the owner.

Erik Schatz, Beeker Property Group real estate representative on behalf of Jack’s, said Linden met the company’s preferred demographics and size when searching for new locations.

“It was an opportunity for Jack’s to fill a void there,” he said.

Julianna Hallman, Jack’s Marketing Strategy and Planning Manager, also shared that the company is looking forward to moving further south and serving Linden.

“Linden is the perfect fit for Jack’s because we love serving southern communities. We are excited to meet the people of Linden and play an active role in the community. Our mission at Jack’s is to serve quality handmade food with Southern hospitality, every day. That’s something that should fit right in to Linden,” she said.

The location will be a 3,522-square-foot classic building with a fireplace and will seat 82.

Jack’s Family Restaurants recently held a job fair for the Linden location at the Marengo County Public Library, and city hall will continue to update the city on employment opportunities.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, June 19 issue of the Demopolis Times. It was updated from the print version to include comments from Jack’sMarketing Strategy and Planning Manager Julianna Hallman.)