ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Just weeks after the “fancy McDonald’s” announced its reopening in Biltmore Village, another franchise has announced its return to the historic Asheville district. Contractors from John W. Abbott Construction Company, Inc. have confirmed that Dunkin’ will be moving into the space formerly occupied by Long John Silver’s at 781 Biltmore Ave.

According to Necole Zeigler, vice president of finance at Abbott Construction, the project will take around 12 weeks to complete, start to finish.

Matt Erdy, project manager for the site, has a specific time in mind for the Dunkin’ debut.

“We are planning, if everything goes good, to have it opened before Valentine’s Day,” Erdy said.

While the Long John Silver’s will be sinking down to Davy Jones’ locker, the Dunkin’ will not be building on rubble. The building will largely remain intact during the remodeling, with a few aesthetic improvements.

“It’ll have all new interior,” Erdy said. “The drive-thru lane will change up a little bit and it will have some exterior seating on the very front.”

The donut shop is just the latest revitalization project for Abbott Construction in the Asheville area.

“We did some work towards Hendersonville. McDonald’s was one of our clients, too,” Zeigler said. “So, we’ve done a little bit of the restoration and some smaller projects in the area as well.”

Opinions online have been split about the arrival of the franchise in the historic district. Underneath a Facebook post in the Asheville Foodie Community group, residents shared excitement for the new spot or voiced support for local donut shops.

To Zeigler, redevelopment of any kind in Asheville is a good thing.

“[Dunkin’] seems to be very popular,”
Zeigler said. “Yeah, either/or. The local stuff is great as well, and, you know, whatever helps foster jobs and improving the city.”

For more about Biltmore Village businesses, visit www.historicbiltmorevillage.com/shop.