Construction crews broke ground Friday on the new Varsity Jr. restaurant, which will sit on 2 acres along Ga. 400 in Dawson County.

"We are very excited and looking forward to being a part of the Dawsonville community," said John Browne, vice president for the Atlanta-based Varsity.

The Dawson County Community Development office issued a commercial building permit for the 4,550-square-foot structure Thursday.

Browne said construction is expected to take between 90 to 120 days, depending on the weather.

The Varsity has owned the land north of Applebee's, between Advance Auto Parts and The Outside World, for about four years.

The restaurant will occupy the front of the property, facing the highway, and will be accessible from both Ga. 400 and Carlisle Road.

The restaurant chain announced the plans in August after Atlanta placed restrictions on remodeling at the Varsity Jr. on Lindbergh Drive.