Following delayed construction, many have wondered if the project was a wash
The long-awaited Cookeville Checkers location is tentatively set for an early September opening at 1025 Interstate Drive in Cookeville, according to managing partner Doiron Clowers.
“Everything is pointing toward the beginning of the month,” said Clowers.
Clowers says construction is entering the final stages of the building process with permits and inspections, but why Cookeville and Why now? Clowers calls Cookeville home and says a location here has always been the ultimate plan.
“I’ve actually called Cookeville home since 2010, so the ultimate plan has always been Cookeville first,” said Clowers. “I might be biased, but I personally believe that Cookeville is a perfect area to bring a new business. The city is rapidly growing, but it still has the support and feel of a small town. Hopefully, Cookeville will be as excited about Checkers as we are about bringing Checkers to Cookeville.”
Following delayed construction, many have wondered if the project was a wash. No worries burger lovers, Checkers is very much on the way, but it was a business decision that caused construction delays.
“I know that there is a lot of speculation going around as to what brought the delay to the point of wondering if we were even still opening,” said Clowers. “The hard reality is we made the unfortunate mistake of getting into a contract with the wrong general contractor. By the time we realized that it became extremely difficult to rectify the situation. We are just as saddened by the delay as anyone. Unfortunately, it was out of our control and all we can do now is move onward and upward. We are hopeful that we will still have the support of the community around us and that everyone will give us the opportunity to earn their business. If given the time, I am confident we can make it up to you.”
A local company stepped up when the game was on the line.
“Luckily for us, we were fortunate enough to find an amazing local company to not only continue the project but correct mistakes and find time to do so on an already packed schedule,” said Clowers.
Supply chain issues are a mainstay post-pandemic, but those issues can be worked around, according to Clowers.
“As long as you have the right people,” he said.
Where do you find those people? Local hiring has begun, and Clowers said the restaurant is thrilled to bring employment to the area.
“Whether this is your first job, you are working your way through school, this is just a steppingstone, or you are looking for a permanent career, we are happy to be here,” said Clowers.
With extended business hours, the restaurant will look to hire (between full and part-time employees) around 40 people.
Is Cookeville oversaturated with restaurants and fast-food joints?
“While the market feels saturated, you have to remember, we have multiple locations of the same brands but not an overload of variety,” said Clowers. “So why not bring another option? Think about it. You can buy our fries in the frozen food section of any supermarket, so why not get them straight from the source?”
Clowers says the Willow Avenue location should give another option to both Tech and overflow customers, traffic and parking issues aside.
“I know trying to make it to Interstate Drive and back on lunch break can be challenging,” said Clowers. “As for traffic flow on Willow Avenue, the alley behind the building should be accessible by opening. I would encourage utilizing that alley when possible if you feel that turning onto or off Willow will be challenging.”
Clowers understands customers are more than numbers. They will be neighbors, friends and family.
“We will strive to serve only hot, quality food, with excellent customer service and in a timely manner, so that after you leave, you are already thinking about your next visit,” said Clowers.
Photo courtesy of Checkers.
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