We are continually monitoring the evolving situation with COVID-19 and are following guidance from the CDC, WHO, and other health officials to strengthen our already stringent operational standards. The health and safety of our guests and team members is of the utmost importance to us.

We already:
• Have a handwashing policy that requires our team members to wash their hands every 20 minutes and between tasks
• Utilize gloves and tongs when preparing food
• Utilize a stringent Contagious Illness Policy to guide when team members may not work
• Employ robust cleaning and sanitizing procedures inside and outside the drive-in, and
• Require all restaurant team members to be certified in food safety

We are implementing additional measures, including:
• Increased cleaning and sanitizing of high touch areas inside and outside the drive-in, including the red button and our digital touchscreens
• Reinforcing our handwashing policy and other protocols more frequently, and
• Reminding team members and guests of contactless ordering and payment options through our mobile app

Additionally, we are temporarily closing the patio of all locations as well as the inside dining area of the North Parkway location. We are happy to continue to serve you at the drive-in stalls and drive-thru at all locations. We will continue to explore additional tools, resources and processes to further protect you and our team.

5) Resort valued at $150 million may be in Jackson’s future – story ran February 4

Negotiations that started in November 2018 that would mean an investment of $150 million for Jackson and Madison County may be within hours of becoming reality.

Headquartered in Chicago, Great Wolf Lodge is a family resort with an indoor water park, restaurants, arcades and spas, and is looking at Tiger Jones Park, which is located off Ridgecrest Road in northeast Jackson.

The investment would mean 500 jobs for the area – 250 full time – while attracting about 500,000 visitors annually.

“It’s not done, yet,” said Kyle Spurgeon, president/CEO of the Jackson Chamber, “But, we have an opportunity for a $150 million project … 300 rooms.

“We are very close to nailing this thing down (and) we will know in a couple of months.”

Great Wolf Lodge has 18 existing lodges in the United States and Canada, and Spurgeon warned this is a competitive project.

“This is a family resort,” Spurgeon said, “But this (will) change tourism in West Tennessee. It will significantly impact tax collections, hotel, motel tax collections … it’s going to raise opportunities for everyone in this community.”

Construction on the project is tentatively scheduled to begin in the summer of 2021, with a completion date 18 months later.

Lori Nunnery executive director Jackson Convention and Visitor Bureau, said the project will not only benefit Jackson, but the surrounding region.

“The opportunities this is going to bring to Jackson and West Tennessee are beyond measure at this point,” Nunnery said, “We’re excited about Great Wolf considering us as a location.

“The potential for a $150 million investment … over 500 jobs – full time, part time, seasonal – this can only be a win for Jackson with another half million people coming in to visit us annually.”

6) Chick-fil-A makes changes due to COVID-19 – story ran March 16

Chick-fil-A, 3 Stonebridge Blvd., and 2021 North Highland Avenue in the Old Hickory Mall remain open, but they are making changes due to COVID-19.

Stonebridge Boulevard –  Customers can enter the restaurant and place an order, but they will not be allowed to dine inside. The order is carry out only. The drive thru remains another option.

Old Hickory Mall – Customers who place an order will be allowed to dine in the food court, only.

Chick-fil-A offers curbside pickup at the mall.

7) Old Hickory Mall reopens Friday, May 1 – story ran April 28

Beginning Friday, May 1, Old Hickory Mall will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays.

According to the mall Facebook page, the health and well-being of our customers, employees, retail partners, and the communities we serve is always a top priority. As such, we have implemented a number of protective measures to keep our employees, retail partners, and community healthy.

We are closely monitoring updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and will follow guidelines put into place by the CDC as well as other local health and governmental agencies.

We ask that the public exercise good judgment when visiting the property; including following CDC guidelines for social distancing and hygiene practices. We also ask that anyone that does not feel well stay home.

We are taking the following measures in our shopping center:

• We will follow all applicable guidelines set forth by local officials.
• We encourage everyone on property to follow social distancing guidelines.
• Groups of more than 10 people congregating in the mall common area will be prohibited.
• The food court seating area is closed until further notice.
• Our children’s play area remains closed until further notice.
• Our soft seating areas and common area gathering spaces remain closed until further notice.
• Mall management staff will be required to wear these masks while in common areas, public spaces or when other individuals are present, except when eating or drinking.
• We are requiring that all vendors and contractors working on property wear masks while on property when other individuals are present, except when eating or drinking.
• We are encouraging our retailers to provide their employees with masks upon returning to work at the shopping center and that this equipment be worn while interacting with others, except when eating or drinking.
• Hand sanitizer units have been placed throughout the property.
• Our mall management staff, security and janitorial staff will be required to undergo a temperature check upon the start of each shift.
• Our service provider has increased the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing all high-traffic common areas with an enhanced focus on all touch points with CDC-recommended cleaning agents. Customers are encouraged to contact mall management if an area needs attention.
• Each store is required to follow applicable guidelines set forth by relevant government orders; which could include but is not limited to: occupancy restrictions, social distancing markers in checkout lines, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, and the closure of fitting rooms.

8) New 192-unit apartment complex scheduled for construction in Medina – story ran February 25

A new 192 unit apartment complex – Grace Cove Apartments – is scheduled for construction in Medina.

The complex is being constructed by Josh LeFevre of Josh LeFevre Construction Company, LLC and Brandon Buchanan, Buchanan Realty Group.

The apartments will be built in two phases – 96 units in each.

The complex, which will be built off U.S. Highway 45 in the vicinity of Food Giant Supermarket, will consist of 1- 2- and 3 bedroom apartments.

“Brandon and I are extremely excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the growth and promotion of the Medina community and township,” Josh LeFevre said, “By bringing to the market a first class, multi-family residential development, we are committed to the people of the community and believe in the need for a project of this scope to further expand the economy in the surrounding area.

“This project will have a tremendous economic impact and increase demand for commercial and retail space within the market.

“We want to bring a superior product to the market and positively impact land values in the entire market.”

9) Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers sets opening date – story ran February 6

According to company officials, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, 2841 Highway 45 Bypass is scheduled to open April 28.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is an American fast-casual restaurant chain based in Wichita, Kansas.

Its menu includes steakburgers, Vienna Beef hot dogs, chicken sandwiches – and the company provides frozen custard with a variety of specialty sundaes and concretes.

Freddy’s is located in 33 states – with 11 either open or opening in Tennessee.

10) Old Country Store self imposes new Coronavirus policies – story ran March 17

The Old Country Store in Casey Jones Village has self-imposed a 50 percent seating capacity at their dine-in buffet and Dixie Café takeout area.

They are also encouraging Guests to practice social distancing, and expanding their carry-out amid the
coronavirus crisis.

“While this is not a time to panic, The Old Country Store wants to set an example for other Jackson restaurants by assuring our Guest’s that this is a safe and clean place to dine,” said Clark Shaw, CEO of the Old Country Store. “If Guests do not wish to come into the dining room, we are expanding our carry out selections from our Dixie Café.

“We will be offering specials and promotions for both our dine-in and take out options.”

Other changes include:

• Installing eight (8) hand sanitizer stations throughout the Dining Room, Gift Shop, Ice Cream Parlor,
and Dixie Cafe.
• Mandatory hand washing by all team members every 30 minutes.
• Changing utensils on the buffet with clean sets every 30 minutes.
• Closing the dining room and buffet in between meal periods to allow for heavy duty cleaning
and disinfecting of chairs, tables, booths, and the entire buffet.
• Discounts on gift cards available in-store and online.
• Increasing emphasis on carry-out, small catering orders, and individual deliveries through the
WAITR app.
• Introducing temporary breakfast to-go from the buffet for $6.49 per pound.

“At the Old Country Store, we are thankful for the support of our locals and ask them to
continue to support all local businesses in these trying times.” Shaw said.

The Old Country Store is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Saturday and
8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sundays.

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(PHOTO: Red Hook Cajun Seafood & Bar, 363 North Parkway)