Town Tavern reopening this spring, Chipotle opening April 24, Ingles delays plans

This spring promises to bring more than flowers.

After a long, cold winter, the food scene is starting to heat up. First came the reopening of Silver Creek Restaurant on West Union Street in February. The diner was flooded by Hurricane Helene’s fury. Canal Coffee on North Green Street recently started brewing again. The Madness will welcome burger and sushi lovers this spring on West Union Street in the former Root & Vine location.

And the good news continues. Burke County residents will see the return of an old favorite dining spot and the opening of a popular fast-casual restaurant.

With the good news also comes some disappointment. A certain grocery store will not open in late March or early April as originally announced.

TOWN TAVERN

Town Tavern makes progress, anticipates spring opening

If you were a regular patron at Town Tavern, you’ll be pleased to know that the Sanford Drive location plans to open this spring with the same layout it did before Hurricane Helene. Town Tavern has been closed since being flooded by the Catawba River in the wake of the storm.

Carl Kirksey, along with brothers Lee and L.H., under the corporate name Kirksey and Company, own River Village Shopping Center.

“We’re making progress,” Kirksey said. “I think we’ve got a pretty good grip on what we’re doing. Once we get to a certain point, then it’ll start rolling.”

The bathroom tile has been laid and is awaiting grout, with cabinetry set to be installed behind the bar next. The sheetrock is up, the walls have a fresh coat of paint, and the electrical work is complete.

In the kitchen, fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) wall panels have been installed. Additional dry storage areas and heat lamps to maintain food temperatures have been added.

The back deck, used for live entertainment, was not damaged.

“It’s just amazing, really, that the building is still here with the amount of water we had,” Kirksey said. “We’re trying to build it back like it was… or as close as we can.”

According to Kirksey, all staff, including those returning, will need to undergo training.

“This is important to our family … It’s been with us for 30 years now,” Kirksey said.

CHIPOTLE

Chipotle set to open April 24

B & L Construction, based in Danville, Va., is overseeing the development of the new Chipotle location on Burkemont Avenue. The job site supervisor was present last week as contractors worked diligently on the building.

Work is progressing quickly with floor tiling already completed and glass windows and door panels installed this week. Kitchen equipment has also been set up.

The new location will feature digital pickup as well as a walk-in option where customers can grab their mobile orders off the shelf. The layout will mirror the Hickory location.

A substantial walk-through is scheduled for April 16; doors will officially open April 24.

INGLES

Ingles plans delayed

Ingles shoppers may have to hold tight a bit longer. According to Jonelle Sigmon, public information officer for the City of Morganton, Ingles has asked the City to pause the current plans and the City is now awaiting new plans from the grocery chain. All work on the store is on hold until new plans are received, reviewed, and approved.

The Paper has made several attempts to reach Cindy Brooks, vice president of human resources for Ingles Markets, Inc., and received no response.