There are multiple construction projects ongoing near the Super 8 on Commerce Drive in Villa Rica. Jeff Matthews is lead on the projects, which were originally discussed and approved in the November 2019 city council meeting. According to the minutes of that meeting the city reviewed an annexation and rezoning application for 135 and 190 commerce Drive to rezone it to multi-family residential (R-14) as requested by Parkside Real Estate Acquisitions, L.L. C. There was a domino effect of approvals following this one, so that all the city business with this project was taken care of. The approval to amend the comprehensive plan and future land use map to include this parcel, to designate it as I-20 Gateway Character Area, and to include it within the amended city limits was also approved during that meeting. Now in the area near Super 8 and Dunkin Donuts where Waffle House and Pizza Hut used to be, the construction for the apartment development and what Matthews is describing as a “national sit-down restaurant brand” is underway.
In a recent Villa Rica council meeting, the city approved a variance regarding Little Caesars Pizza, officially under MQSK, L. L.C., that would allow a drive-thru at the upcoming 395 W. Bankhead Highway location, according to a Villa Rica city official. The drive-thru would be in front of the restaurant and would alter the landscape of the parking lot. This update to the construction plans would make this a quick service restaurant and more convenient to customers.
As the new Taqueria Tapatio’s in Villa Rica is still on its way, the owners faced an unfortunate setback along the renovation process. The new location of this restaurant is taking the place of a former Chinese restaurant that had neon lights on the outside. According to Taqueria Tapatio’s owner Gonzalo Melendez, an electrical fire started right at the entrance from the capacitors and the connection. This incident led to the insurance company getting involved and put a delay on the opening. Melendez said his contractors are on week four of a 10-week contract, putting a 10-week or sooner estimate on the opening of his restaurant.
The Villa Rica Taqueria Tapatio’s location will be located at 737 W. Bankhead Highway. There will be a full bar and some new menu items for customers to try. Melendez, who also owns El Tapatio in Temple, plans to host a ribbon cutting with the city of Villa Rica and Carroll County Chamber of Commerce when the restaurant opens.
“It’s going to be more traditional than the other Mexican restaurants around. We’re gonna have some new stuff that we want to bring to the citizens in Villa Rica, different types of food from all the Mexican restaurants around,” Melendez said.
Lifelong west Georgia residents Chip and Kimberly Bishop are bringing Pelican’s Snoballs to Villa Rica. When they opened their first location, Villa Rica was an option for them as well as the one they chose. The Bishops, who have been in business since 2019, needed to secure a location that fit their criteria for the business; and now, three years later Villa Rica residents will have Pelican’s at their convenience. Pelican’s other locations are in Carrollton and Newnan.
Pelican’s is a great place for families and friends to gather and enjoy the atmosphere. “We have picnic tables outside in the shade with music playing. At night the string lights come on, and it’s a good vibe. The Villa Rica location will also have a drive-thru accessible from the back of our building on West Montgomery Street,” Chip said. There is something for everyone with over 100 flavors made with pure cane sugar, always gluten free, nut free, and fat free. There are some options that are dye free and sugar free, too, as well as kosher flavors.
According to Chip, they make the world’s best Snoballs, which is often called a snow cone although there is a difference. “Our ice is soft and fluffy like actual snow, and our syrups absorb all through the ice as opposed to that crunchy ice that the syrups always pass through. Our flavors are all high quality and very flavorful,” Chip said.
The Bishops are excited about connecting with the Villa Rica community. “Villa Rica is part of our stomping grounds, so it will be nice to see some familiar faces come in, as well as build new relationships with customers and employees,” Chip said.
When The City Menus asked about some of their future goals, Chip said “I expect to see families come through the door in 10 or 20 years and [hear] parents telling their kids about their experiences at Pelican’s, as well as create jobs, work with schools, and become an overall positive asset to the community.”
The Villa Rica Pelican’s is expected to open this summer. It is located at 133 W. Bankhead Highway. Check their Facebook for updates.
