Is this fast food restaurant moving to Crestview?

CRESTVIEW—The business rumor mill has recently included talks of a Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen moving to Crestview.

“The corporation is investigating the area for a site,” Growth Management Director Teresa Gaillard said. However, this doesn’t confirm that the fast-food chain—known for fried chicken and biscuits—is ready to call Crestview its new home just yet.

Popeye’s hasn't submitted application paperwork to the city, according to Gaillard. Currently, the business is still conducting its own research and surveys to determine if a Hub City site is feasible for the brand.

Therefore, it’s not yet known if the company will open a new location in Crestview, as has been circulated on social media. It is also unknown what potential sites the company might be eyeing or if they are working with a timeframe.

Several companies have expressed interest in Crestview, according to a recent presentation by Retail Strategies to the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency. The firm has been researching trends, demographics and business statuses in the city since October in an effort to market Crestview to new businesses and developers.

The group declined to directly reference which companies have shown interest due to ongoing negotiations.

Regardless of Popeye’s decision, there’s no need to fret for fans of chicken, as Chick-fil-A does have plans to open a location in Crestview. The site is at 3000 S. Ferdon Blvd., the former home of Ryan’s Steakhouse.

The Chick-fil-A chain is currently planning a rebuild of the location and no official opening date has been announced.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Is this fast food restaurant moving to Crestview?