1st Tri-Cities Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is now hiring. How soon could it open?
The first Tri-Cities location of a popular fried chicken chain is set to open soon.
Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, which launched the “chicken sandwich wars” in 2019 when they took aim at Chick-Fil-A’s bread and butter, is now hiring for its Kennewick location.
Mike Straatman, the construction superintendent for ADM Construction, told the Tri-City Herald that they anticipate the Kennewick location at 240 N. Ely St. is looking at an Aug. 2 opening, pending inspections.
Public records filed with the city of Kennewick show the final inspection are scheduled and will be carried out over the next few weeks. They’re expecting a certificate of occupancy by the end of the week.
The location is at the intersection where Clearwater Avenue and Vista Way intersect with 395/North Ely, next to the Econo Lodge.
Straatman said the Pasco location is next on their list.
The Pasco Popeye’s will be at 5814 Road 68, near the Sandifur Crossing shopping center at Sandifur Parkway and Road 68. They don’t have an opening estimate for that location yet.
Both stores will be about 2,300 square feet with a drive-thru.
Columbia Gardens
The Columbia Gardens Wine and Artisan Village is open, but due to the pandemic, they never got to celebrate.
Until now, that is. The Port of Kennewick has set a grand opening for Columbia Gardens later this month.
On July 28 at 2 p.m. they’ll host a ribbon cutting event at 313 E. Columbia Gardens Way.
They’ll be recognizing the wineries and food trucks who have helped make the project a success, as well as introducing their newest tasting rooms by Gordon Estate Winery and Muret-Gaston Winery.
The second phase of the project saw parking, a loop roadway, landscaping, artwork and more installed. It also marked the beginning of the village’s food truck plaza.
The founding wineries were Bartholomew and Monarcha’s tasting rooms. Regular food truck vendors include culture Shock Bistro, Ann’s Best Creole & Soul Food, Taste of Wok, Only Tacos, Bobablastic and Swampy’s BBQ.
Swampy’s also recently began development of a permanent storefront at the village.
The port has also recently worked to establish better communication and incentives for food trucks, and highlights which will be available daily on its Facebook page.
Albertsons renovation
Commuters might be wondering what’s going on with the Albertsons on Clearwater Avenue, which has been undergoing renovations for the last several months.
Although the company has yet to make a formal announcement, plans filed with the city show the location is being turned into a Safeway, like the Richland location last year.
Safeway and Albertsons merged in 2014, and recently the company has been renovating and rebranding older Albertsons stores under the Safeway moniker.
The 53,000-square-foot store at 5204 W. Clearwater Ave. is open during the renovation process.
Bougie Brunch
The Tri-Cities’ newest brunch spot is now open.
Bougie Brunch, at 3220 W. Kennewick Ave., is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
The Palm Springs inspired brunch spot is serving all the classics, from bacon flights to avocado toast, omelets and even beignets.
For drinks they’re offering flights of mimosas, “bougie” bloody marys and “sexy coffee” with spirits for an added kick.
This story was originally published July 12, 2022 at 11:39 AM.
