Wes Harris, State Farm Insurance Agent – home, auto, life & banking – 319 Vann Drive, sponsors Strictly Business, a weekly column that takes a look at a few of this week’s business highlights.

Empire 8 Theatre – construction on schedule for opening in early 2019

From the outside looking in, it’s hard to gauge the progress at the new Empire 8 Theatre – a luxury, eight-screen movie theatre in Columns II, located between Gander Outdoors and FFO Furniture, on Vann Drive.

But according to Phil Zacheretti, president & CEO Phoenix Theatres Entertainment, construction is coming along nicely and will be completed during the first quarter of 2019.

“The expansive lobby and plush auditoriums are all being built as planned,” Zacheretti said, “The Taylors (Gary and Paul Taylor of the Gary A. Taylor Investment Company) are overseeing all aspects of the building and MG Construction has dozens of crew members working daily.

“The stadium platforms have all been poured and the auditorium wall curtains are actually starting to be installed this week. There are a lot of construction components involved with the expansive concession stand and the support kitchen for the pub style foods and beer we will be serving.”

Zacheretti is equally impressed with the exterior of the facility.

“The exterior of the building is looking great and is almost complete,” Zacheretti said, “Great exterior lighting will be put on the tower to show off the design and make it “glow” at night.”

Empire 8 Theatre will offer seating for 700, and parking for 500.

“The parking lot is almost finished and will be finalized soon,” Zacheretti said, “The F, F and E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) of the building – reclining seats, screens, projectors, sound systems, etc., will not be installed until after the holidays.

“Final installation of all equipment will happen after most of the interior construction is finished in early first quarter.”

Te’kila Mexican Bar & Grill opening stalled

Te’kila Mexican Bar & Grill at 155 Stonebrook Place in West Towne Commons has delayed its opening until 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 19, according to co-owner Jose Gomez.

The restaurant was scheduled to open Wednesday, Dec. 12, but a few details had to be ironed out before the doors open at a former location of Applebee’s.

Business hours will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

Brothers Jose and Alex Gomez opened their first Te’kila Mexican Bar & Grill at 1335 N. Germantown Parkway in Cordova, Jan. 3, 2018.

Real Estate – Here’s the 5 most expensive homes for sale in Jackson-Madison County

Wes Harris, State Farm Insurance Agent – home, auto, life & banking – 319 Vann Drive, sponsors the five most expensive homes listed for sale – by price – in Jackson-Madison County, according to the Multiple Listing Service.

1) 99 Sturdivant Crossing, $2,675,000 (includes 535 acres)

2) 16 O’Keena Drive, $949,000

3) 22 Deepwood Cove, $880,000

4) 35 San Arbor, $765,000

5) 6 Broadfield Drive, $749,500

Texas Roadhouse restaurant taking shape on Vann Drive

Construction continues on a new Texas Roadhouse at 1203 Vann Drive, where the restaurant is being constructed on a two-and-one-half acre site next to Dick’s Sporting Goods – and across Vann Drive from a Hilton Garden Inn.

Texas Roadhouse is an American chain restaurant that specializes in steaks and promotes a Western theme.

The average size of a Texas Roadhouse restaurant is 6,700- to 7,500-square-feet and offers seating for 291 guests.

Steaks account for 44 percent of the menu.

The company is based in Louisville, Kentucky, and the company’s first restaurant was founded in Clarksville, Indiana, in 1993.

Texas is the company’s largest market with 66 restaurants, followed by Ohio, with 29, Pennsylvania and Florida 27 each, and Indiana 26.

Real Estate – Market report for Jackson-Madison County

Wes Harris, State Farm Insurance Agent – home, auto, life & banking – 319 Vann Drive, sponsors the Real Estate Market Report.

According to the Multiple Listing Service, new homes for sale in Jackson from January 1 through November 30, stood at 35, compared to 42 for the same period in 2017.

New construction homes sold – January 1 through November 30, 2018 was 123, compared to 121 for the same period in 2017.

The number of homes on the market, which includes all of Madison County, stands at 334, compared to 356 for the same period in 2017.

Average days on the market – January 1 through November 30, 2018 was 57.

The average sales price for a home from January 1 through November 30, 2018 was $168,666.

Scores for Jackson restaurants

Here’s an up to date list of scores for Jackson restaurants from the Jackson-Madison County Health Department.

PizzaRev, 1150 Vann Drive, 98

The Office, 82 Federal Drive, 99

Cody’s Saloon & Dance Hall, 60 Heritage Square, 93

Jersey Mike’s, 1081 Vann Drive 94

Tacos 4 Life, 1481 Vann Drive, follow-up 100

University of Memphis Lambuth Cafeteria, 307 Maple Street, 98

Magic Wheels Skate, 1112 Highway 45 Bypass, 100

Wingstop, 5 C Stonebridge Blvd., 85

Takos Borukas 42 mobile unit, 100

VFW Post 1848 Lounge, 3803 Highway 45 North, 99

Union University Cafeteria, 1050 Union University Drive, 100

Outback, 194 Stonebrook Place, 97, Bar 99

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(PHOTO: Wes Harris, State Farm agent)
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