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Friday, May 3, 2024

Popeyes reopens in Ocala, more than a year after roof collapse

The Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen located on Pine Avenue in Ocala has finally reopened following an 18-month closure to repair damage caused by a storm.

After the completion of all necessary renovations and repairs, the Popeyes at 1713 S Pine Avenue in Ocala celebrated its grand reopening last week.

Known for its southern fried chicken, Popeyes’ menu includes wings, chicken tenders, and sandwiches, along with popcorn shrimp.

Popeyes signature chicken (photo by Popeyes)
Popeyes’ signature fried chicken. (Photo: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen)

There are also a handful of sides to choose from, such as mac & cheese, Cajun fries, mashed potatoes with gravy, red beans and rice, coleslaw, and biscuits.

Popeyes offers combo meals with several sides to choose from
Popeyes offers combo meals with several sides to choose from. (Photo: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen)

The Popeyes location on Pine Avenue had previously been closed for a year-and-a-half, shutting down after severe storms passed through the area on June 24, 2022. The rains ended up causing catastrophic damage at the business, resulting in a partial roof collapse.

Popeyes In Ocala Severely Damaged By Storm
A collapsed roof can be seen in the Popeyes at 1713 S Pine Avenue on June 25, 2022. (Photo: Aaron Hendricks)

In the months following the storm, construction crews made steady progress on the fast-food restaurant.

Popeyes at 1713 S Pine Avenue in Ocala
The exterior of the Popeyes location (1713 S Pine Avenue in Ocala) in late August of 2023.
Popeyes in Ocala (2)
Popeyes at 1713 S Pine Avenue in Ocala. (Photo: November 10, 2023)

The newly reopened Popeyes occupies the same site and is same size of over 2,500 square feet, according to construction records.

Popeyes is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours (10 a.m. to 11 p.m.) on Friday and Saturday.

The restaurant joins several others that were recently opened or are currently under construction in Ocala.

That includes Chick-fil-A, which celebrated the grand opening of its newest location on SW 48th Avenue last month.

The new Chick fil A in Ocala will open on December 19, 2023
The new Chick-fil-A located at 5048 SW 48th Avenue in Ocala celebrated its grand opening on December 19, 2023.

A fine dining restaurant, Katya Vineyards, reopened at 11 E Silver Springs Boulevard on New Year’s Eve, taking over the former home of Morevino.

Katya Vineyards
Katya Vineyards newly renovated dining room. (Photo: Katya Vineyards)

In early December, Mellow Mushroom opened its new location at 2 W Fort King Street in Ocala.

Mellow Mushroom in Ocala (1)
Mellow Mushroom at 2 W Fort King Street in Ocala.

Also in December, Kwench Juice Cafe celebrated the grand opening of its location at 736 NE 36th Avenue. The shop specializes in smoothies, açaí bowls, and fresh juices.

Açaí bowl at Kwench of Ocala (Photo Kwench)
One of the Açaí bowls at Kwench of Ocala. (Photo: Kwench)

K-Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot officially opened for business in October at 2621 SW 19th Avenue Road in Ocala, offering all-you-can-eat options.

KPot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot in Ocala
K-POT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot in Ocala.

A family-owned sandwich shop, Connotto’s, opened its location at 3751 SE 36th Avenue last year, taking over the former location of a vegan cafe.

Italian Beef sandwiches at Connotto's
Italian Beef sandwiches at Connotto’s (Photo: Connotto’s)

Martin’s BBQ, a fast-food chain that serves authentic Puerto Rican food, is working on its first location in Ocala. The restaurant will be located at 2601 SW 19th Avenue Road, replacing The Gathering Cafe.

Future site of Martin's BBQ in Ocala
Future site of Martin’s BBQ in Ocala. (December 15, 2023)