Area Development Manager Shaun Morris was pleased with the line that formed around the building for a promotional offer of a free meal for a year.

“It's a very good sign,” he said, awaiting the zero hour of 10:30 a.m. when the restaurant would open its doors. “People were asking us when we were getting started, when would we open. They were very excited about it.”

(A PDF of the menu is included as an attachment at the end of this story)

The restaurant, which specializes in chicken dishes, is known for its freshly prepared vegetables, Morris said, as well as its generous portions. A drive-through is available.

Mayor Emery Doughtie came out Sunday night for a special preview. “The food was good, the service was great.”

Doughtie is pleased the space where a former convenience store was torn down is being used for a restaurant. “I['m glad to see people getting jobs. It's good for us for tax revenues.”

Scott Elias and Sammy Isles stood in line for the special offer.

“I don't have to go to Rocky Mount,” Elias said. “I go there to eat at Zaxby's. Now I can eat it here. It will draw people from all over.”

Isles said he was pleased to see the restaurant open. “It's a great franchise. I'm very glad to have it in Roanoke Rapids. I think it fits in very well.”