Popeye's waiting on approval from FDOT

CRESTVIEW — The lights are on, and the building is nearly completed. But, the Popeye's in Crestview isn't ready to open quite yet.

Florida Department of Transportation required that the The Popeye's in Crestview have an access to State Road 85.

According to FDOT Public Information Specialist Tanya Branton, a permit has been issued to Popeye’s for access to State Road 85.

“It’s kind of a difficult site there,” Crestview Growth Management Director Teresa Gaillard said. “But, they have been working back and forth with the FDOT trying to get something that the FDOT would work with.”

The Popeye’s site has a gravel entry-way leading to 85, but the entry-way will need approval from the FDOT. Joe Mann Sr., the construction manager from Vertical Construction Management, said they will be meeting with the FDOT on Monday to go over their current plan.

The site is expected to be ready within 30 days, but it could take up to 60 days for the restaurant to open depending on when Popeye’s’ receives approval.

“With DOT, it’s always a wild card. They work at their pace. I think it’s a minimum of 30 to 60 days,” Mann Sr. said.

The opening of Popeye’s was delayed past the original date of July 24. Mann said there were multiple factors in play. One of them was the previous general contractor, who was fired over issues like poor performance, quality of work, and occasionally, not paying the subcontractors, Mann said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Popeye's waiting on approval from FDOT