SYLACAUGA — In about one month, Huddle House patrons will have a more modern and spacious place to visit. Owner Doug Norton is building a new facility next to the old building on U.S. 280. The new restaurant should be open around the middle of May.
The old structure, which was constructed in 1981, will be razed to make room for additional parking.
The restaurant will also have more room for customers.
Norton said the old building could hold about 56 people and the new one about 80.
The new building will look much different than the old one.
Norton said the corporate offices started using new designs several years ago, and this will allow him to get his store up to par.
"Cosmetically, they look totally different," he said. "It’s got that old time, classic diner look to it. It’s got a lot of different color tile, a lot of stainless steel, a lot of chrome."
All the old equipment will be replaced as well, and some new things added, like walk-in coolers and freezers.
Norton said he is thinking about putting in a plasma screen television, too.
"And it’s giving back to the community," Norton said. "Giving them a nicer, cleaner, more efficient place to eat."
To completely staff the larger facility, Norton said he would be hiring 12 to 15 additional employees.
