OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Popeye’s is getting ready for its long-awaited return at the corner of South Pine Avenue and 17th Street in Ocala.  The restaurant was forced to shutter its doors after a storm ripped through in June of 2022 damaging the roof causing an interior and exterior collapse, according to a report from Ocala Fire Rescue.

City of Ocala Growth Management Department records indicate that a demolition permit was issued on August 16, 2022, and Patriot Demolition of Ocala gutted the building.

The group that owns the restaurant, Sailormen of Miami, had construction workers setting trusses and building a new facade on the building earlier this month.

While Popeye’s will have the same square footage, it will have an updated look and new footprint, as well as a double drive-through.

Construction superintendent Americ Webb reportedly said that they expect the restaurant to reopen in late October.

According to Popeyes.com, the restaurant chain has more than 3100 locations nationwide and more than 208 in Florida.  The website states that Al Copeland Sr. opened a “Chicken on the Run” restaurant in 1972 in Arabi, near New Orleans serving “traditional Southern-fried chicken.”  After a few months of not-so-great performance, it was rebranded as Popeye’s after Popeye Doyle of “The French Connection.”