FORSYTH, Ill. (WAND) - It's an exciting time for residents and leaders of the village of Forsyth. Soon, the area just North of Interstate 72 off of Route 51 will be the home of five new restaurants, some local and some chain. Village Administrator Jill Applebee shared the following list:
- Chick-fil-A is demolishing the old Applebee's and replacing it
- The owners of Diamond's Family restaurant are taking over the old Crab Lobster building
- Tequilas Pura Vida is moving into the BP gas station at the intersection of US 51 and Shaffer Street
- Pizza Place on Main is demolishing the car wash behind Aspen dental and McDonalds
- Jimmy John's is moving into the old Subway behind Panda Express
"It's going to be busy and that's okay," said Applebee "We are hopeful that our residents are going to be a little bit patient as we grow. We know construction brings a little bit of chaos but we know that in the end it's going to be a great thing."
Applebee said many restaurants are drawn to Forsyth's closeness to the highway and ability to be seen by travelers. She hopes the increase in food options helps pull more people to stop by the area and patronize local restaurants or stores.
"The sales tax is huge for us," said Applebee. "We are able to keep our roads, our water and all of that up to date. And more importantly, the quality of life issues, the parks that, walking trails, the bike trails, all of those things... come from the sales tax."
Buki Limani is one of the co-owners of Diamond's Family Restaurant in Decatur. He is also one of the co-owners of the new Diamonds & Yolk breakfast and lunch restaurant.
When the former Crab Lobster building became available, Limani and his co-owners were quick to jump on the opportunity.
"We've been here for a long time as owners of Diamond's Family Restaurant," said Limani. "So we like Forsyth, we live here. We like the community and we saw an opportunity...The more businesses they open, the better it is for everybody, for the village, for the town, for the community."
Applebee says the Chick-fil-a should be open by fall of 2026. Limani and the team say they are waiting for some final equipment to come in before they open, but hope to open up in the coming months.
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