From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
PINSON –Residents in Pinson have been vocal in recent years in their desire for a family casual dining establishment for the city and their wish may soon be granted.
The Pinson City Council will consider an incentive plan on Thursday, Feb. 1 to bring a Shoney’s Restaurant to the city.
“We’ve wanted a family type sit down restaurant for years,” Councilman Robbie Roberts said. I’m extremely excited with the potential we have here. I think it will help other restaurants in the area by drawing more diners to the city.”
The incentive package must still be addressed by the council in the public meeting, but will involve a portion of the sales tax rebated to assist with construction and covey the land currently owned by the city to the new business.
Roberts said the mayor and council members had looked at incentive plans in other cities to determine which elements they believe would work best for Pinson.
The development property at 4705 Pinson Boulevard is behind RiteAid, between WinnDixie and O’Reilly Auto Parts.
Roberts said the decision will be up to the entire council, but could involve a rebate up to 50 percent. Incentives of this type usually have a cap amount and a predetermined time limit.
“We’ve been asked about this all of the time,” Roberts said. “The best part is that it gives us a chance to show that our community can support a business of this type. That will be a selling point to future businesses that may consider investing in Pinson.”
Shoney’s is one of the most well known restaurant names in American culture. The restaurant has long been one of the national leaders in casual dining, establishing the first restaurant in 1947.