Less than four months after acquiring a building permit, the City of Bridgeport’s newest restaurant could be open any day. According to Bridgeport Community Development Director Andrea Kerr, the new Main Street Papa John’s is essentially done.

 

“For all intents and purposes, it’s complete,” said Kerr earlier this week. “I think they’re finishing up the last final bits of it now, but we’re probably looking at a final inspection of the building before it opens within a week or so.”

 

The city will do a use and occupancy inspection before the national chain can begin operation. It is a standard inspection.

 

“A house, a business, nothing can open until we issue a U and O,” said Kerr. “I imagine people driving by will be seeing fixtures and final pieces going into place.”

 

Recently, one thing definitely let those passing by the location just off of Route 50 in the Home Depot Plaza below Walgreen’s was the sign went up. The sign of the last business there, Sol Azteka, was removed and a sign was put up there and on the building.

 

This is one of several businesses that have been in the building. Along with Sol Azteka, the building has also housed Hank’s Deli and Long John Silver’s. Some have pointed to it being not conveniently located for people to stop by and eat as a reason for past woes. Whether that’s the case is moot here as the majority of Papa John’s service, which specializes in pizza, is delivery.

 

Although the work was listed as a renovation of the structure, it’s basically a new 1,615 square foot building. Most of the space is for Papa John’s, but there will be office space available for lease.

 

“They took it down to the studs. It’s practically a brand new building that has been constructed,” said Kerr.

 

The cost of the construction was listed at $300,000.