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Chester Taco Bell to open July 8

Barring any unforeseen delays due to food delivery, the new Taco Bell in Chester's Camptown section will open on July 8.

According to TMG Construction Management Project Superintendent Jeff Shockley, a specific opening time has not yet been determined. Staff is being trained at different Taco Bell locations and will be moved into the new restaurant after its completion.

"Our target opening date is July 8," Shockley said. "The inside is nearly complete, I'll have cleaners in here on (July 5) to clean the store."

Shockley credited good weather and a good crew for finishing what was originally scheduled to be a 75-day construction schedule in roughly 65 days.

"We've been very fortunate," he said. "I've had a good team and, obviously, to do one of these in 65 days is out of the ordinary.

"We normally get 75 days."

The restaurant will seat 40 for those dining in and is anticipated to have free WiFi available. The franchisee is K-MAC Holdings Corporation, which is headquartered in Fort Smith, Ark.

In terms of staffing, Shockley said a manager was being brought in from a different location to run the restaurant, but it was his belief that K-MAC prefers to hire an assistant manager and other staff locally.

Shockley said the restaurant is anticipated to employ between 30 and 40 people. According to K-MAC's website, the company was taking applications for a shift leader, assistant manager, team member and restaurant general manager.

The jobs were posted May 15 for Taco Bell location No. 730 at 2235 State Street.

"We're going to welcome them to the city and I think a lot of effort was put in by the city council," said Chester Chamber of Commerce Director Jason Coffey, when asked for comment. "We're happy to have them."

Chester Mayor Tom Page was equally excited about the new business.

"I can't wait and it can't open up too soon for me because I know the kids can't wait," he said.