SPRINGFIELD — A new Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurant is opening in a month at the long vacant KFC location and will bring 60 to 70 full- and part-time jobs.

By opening at the old KFC at 2424 S. Limestone St., Popeyes is fitting in with a renewed focus on revitalizing the South Limestone Street area and reinvesting in vacant properties.

“There’s much interest in redeveloping South Limestone Street,” said Tom Franzen, the city’s director of economic development. “There’s new signage and cleaning up of areas and different properties.”

Franzen said the city, along with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and the Springfield Port Authority, have initiated new landscaping in the area, and have encouraged gas stations and other businesses to do the same.

“Schuler’s was the first to (revitalize vacant property) when they moved into the old Aldi’s building,” Franzen said. “Popeyes is following in their footsteps and investing in renovating old facilities.”

Popeyes chose the Springfield facility after searching to expand their market in the Dayton area.

Popeyes regional manager, Andre Moore, said that Popeyes saw success last year when they re-opened their location on Salem Avenue in Dayton, which closed along with other Dayton locations several years ago.

After searching in Huber Heights and Englewood, Popeyes Corporate settled in Springfield, he said.

“We are excited to come,” he said. “We just can’t wait.”

Four managers, two local, two from Huber Heights, have already been hired to run the store, which will open in the beginning of December, Moore said.

Screening the other employees is a “partnership of One-Stops,” said Lehan Peters, deputy director of work force development for Clark County Department of Job and Family Services and WorkPlus One-Stop Center. Clark County is working together with Montgomery County.

Beyond screening for possible employees, the One-Stop centers will help people prepare for interviews. Popeyes will also consider those who have criminal records for the positions.

“We’ll work with individuals and provide assistance and provide access to clothing and also offer resume workshops,” Peters said.

Moore did not disclose how many of the jobs would be full-time, but said most would be 20 to 25 hours a week. The jobs range from regular crew members, cashiers and shift managers.

To find out more information or to apply, call the local One-Stop at (937) 327-1771 or go in person to 1345 Lagonda Ave.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or emason@coxohio.com.