The construction in front of the Kroger shopping center on Thompson Bridge Road will produce a Wendy’s restaurant by April or May.
Susan Rector, director of Hall County business licenses, said it is unusual for a major chain restaurant to settle in the unincorporated area of the county.
"I think it’s positive that Wendy’s has chosen to go in up there, and hopefully there will be others that follow their lead," Rector said. "That will certainly be good for the economy of Hall County and bring some jobs in as well."
The majority of businesses prefer to locate within city limits.
"Most of them choose to go in the city because the county doesn’t have sewage," Rector said. "Particularly restaurants, it’s easy for their kitchen if they’re on a sewage system."
All of the hotels and motels in Hall County are within cities for the same reason, Rector said.
"It’s very disheartening when an industry or franchise like that decides to relocate to this area and decides to go to one of the cities because of the lack of sewage services the county provides, so hopefully we’re well on the road to remedying that."
Rector said the North Hall area is due for more commercial businesses.
"With the growth Hall County’s experiencing, the north end of the county needs to benefit from it, too," Rector said.
Hall County Planning Director Randy Knighton said a restaurant such as Wendy’s was expected in that area, though it has taken a few years.
"The original approval years ago did call for a few outparcels, and a restaurant is consistent with that original plan," Knighton said. "All of the approved outparcels don’t develop right away."
Knighton believes it is likely other businesses will eye the North Hall area.
"I think over time we may see some additional commercial development or redevelopment in that area," Knighton said.
With low sales tax collections throughout 2009, Assistant Hall County Administrator Phil Sutton hopes Wendy’s will provide a boost in 2010.
"Any new retail is beneficial for the county in terms of sales tax," Sutton said.