Houseman, who said he has relatives in Springfield, owns six Roosters locations including in Xenia through We Be Wings LLC. Other franchisees own locations in Huber Heights and Dayton.
“This fits in a nice area for us, and we go into existing restaurants,” Houseman said. “And this was a very nice building, only 10 years old, that became available, and we have to go where there are existing buildings.”
The franchise will do a total renovation, and Houseman said he will use all local contractors except for some of the carpentry.
Houseman said he is working with local workforce development staff to fill positions. He said the company will start hiring for the restaurant in mid-November.
Amy Donahoe, director of employment and hiring services for the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, met with Houseman this morning to discuss how to get the restaurant staffed by the opening in December.
“We will be looking at some of the staff that did not travel with T.G.I. Fridays to other locations,” Donahoe said. “We will consider them as well and utilize some of the resources have locally.”
Fridays, open on Bechtle Avenue for 12 years, closed Sunday because of low sales, according to The Bistro Group, which operated the restaurant.
The fact that a new restaurant is moving in so quickly is a positive sign, said Donahoe.
“It just shows the demand for the buildings on Bechtle,” she said. “It’s a great location, and obviously it’s something they were looking at and the building became available, and they were able to move on it. We’re happy to work with them. They are very eager and seem open to working with the community and being a part of our community.”
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