Published: 9/15/2017 10:29:42 PM
ATHOL — Fast food lovers can expect to have a Wendy’s in Athol just as the weather is getting a bit frosty.
Hamra Enterprises, a Wendy’s franchisee with 35 restaurants in New England, have broken ground near North Quabbin Commons, ushering in the newest development near the shopping center that hosts Market Basket off Route 2A near Exit 18. The franchisee plans to have the Athol restaurant open on the east side of town by the end of the year. Athol Town Manager Shaun Suhoski said there is hope it will open before Thanksgiving.
Mike Hamra, president and CEO of Hamra Enterprises, said in a statement that the location has curb appeal and plenty of natural lighting. The restaurant, he added, will feature “a compelling, innovative interior and exterior design.” He said the interior will offer Wi-Fi, a television and a fireplace.
According to Eve Metheny, the director of brand marketing for Hamra Enterprises, the Athol eatery will cover 3,324 square feet, with 75 seating options inside and 12 outside. Trent M. Coldford Sr., the regional director of operations, expects the location to employ 50 to 60 people.
According to information from Metheny, the new restaurant is part of a multi-year strategy Wendy’s International started in 2011 to rejuvenate the brand and to bolster customers’ experiences. The new design helps Wendy’s stand out and has “created new restaurant jobs and economic growth through construction and development in our local communities such as Athol.”
Suhoski said Athol and the North Quabbin are pleased to welcome the Hamra family and Wendy’s restaurants as corporate citizens.
“As development continues to flourish, we believe North Quabbin Commons will be a destination for consumers throughout the region and we will look to leverage that interest as we continue efforts to develop our downtown revitalization plan as well,” he said.
Athol Selectboard Chairman Lee Chauvette said he appreciates that new businesses like Wendy’s are investing in the community. “The more investment in the community that occurs can certainly trigger other economic gains such as attracting manufacturing,” he said.
According to Wendys.com, the Wendy’s location currently closest to Athol is 12.9 miles away, at 28 Pearson Blvd. in Gardner.