All systems go now for Chili’s

By BRENDA ALLUMSnews1@kilgorenewsherald.com

MDK-ET Developers and Brinker International cleared the final hurdle in establishing a Chili’s Restaurant in Kilgore Tuesday night when city commissioners approved a re-zoning request in order that the restaurant include a private club.

Troy Johnson, project manager for MDK, and Dan Dover, property development manager for Chili’s, appeared before the Kilgore City Commission Tuesday night requesting the zoning change.

Earlier in the month, the Kilgore Planning and Zoning Commission approved the re-zoning requests, which had to have city commission approval also.

“We are very excited about this project,” Johnson said. before turning the meeting over to Dover.

Dover, who had appeared before the Planning and Zoning Commission requested the change in zoning, agreed Chili’s is eager to get the new restaurant built.

He said construction, expected to begin in mid-June, will take about 5 months and projects the opening around mid-November or Thanksgiving. Sire preparation has been underway for a couple of weeks.

“The Chili’s in Kilgore is estimated to generated between $2.5 and $3 million in annual sales,” Dover said. “During the construction phase we estimate $1 million will be spent in site work and the actual construction.”

The 4,200-square foot restaurant will be located on U.S Hwy. 259, immediately south of CVS Pharmacy. Young said the eatery will have a seating capacity of 140.

Chili’s will take up 1.2 acres of the MDK Development property. Young said plans are to develop the remainder of the 6.144 acres.

“We expect the restaurant to employ between 80 and 100,” He said. “During the initial opening, employment might reach 140.”

“Once established, the local restaurant will become active in charitable and civic promotions,” Dover said. “Our directors participate in charitable programs that are directly related to the local environment.”

Chili’s parent company, Brinker International, either owns, operates or franchises under other names including Romano’s Macaroni Grill, On the Border, Corner Bakery Cafe, Maggiano’s and Rockfish Seafood.

The first Chili’s Grill & Bar opened in 1975 in Dallas and was known mainly for it’s “mouth-watering hamburgers,” Dover said. Today more than 1,000 Chili’s restaurants are operating around the world.

Commissioners also approved the final plan for the Pine Village Subdivision.

The residential subdivision bordering Meadowbrook Country Club is 6.1 acres located south of Houston Street, north of Pine Street, east of Meadow and west of Meadowbrook Country Club. Thirteen single-family residential lots were okayed for the development.

“Water and sewer lines have been constructed and inspected by the city,” Florio said. “The water line is tied to the city main and the sewer line will connect to the city’s new line when the city’s project is completed by Wicker Construction and accepted by the city.”

In other business concerning planning and zoning, the commission approved a request by Fidel and Maria Cedillo to re-zone 8.3 acres of land on Peavine Road between Hwy. 135 North and Fritz-Swanson Road from commercial to single-family manufactured housing.

City Planner Sue Lynn Florio told commissioners the Planning and Zoning Board had approved the request. The Cedillo’s plan to locate a manufactured home for their daughter on the site.