TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - Build it and they will come. That's the hope in west Toledo, where two retailers are already on their way to becoming a part of the expanded development at Westgate on Central and Secor.
"I would say that that area is on the verge of really exploding," said Toledo City Councilman Tom Waniewski.
Crews have demolished the former Arnie's Restaurant and El Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant to make room for new retailers.
"I think knocking down those two buildings and pushing forward is something that I like to see," Waniewski said. "It means we are building. It means we are putting folks to work."
The owners of Westgate have signed lease agreements with Piada Italian Street Food, a Columbus-based restaurant that features fast-casual dining, and with Wingstop, a mostly carryout-style chicken wing establishment.
"I think choice is always wonderful, and I think it's great for the economy that things are growing, providing more jobs, providing more choices for people," said Westgate shopper Joyce Litten.
Councilman Waniewski says across the street at the former Secor Cinema site, a major national restaurant chain is close to signing. He can't release the name until it's official.
"The income level, with Old Orchard, Sylvania, Ottawa Hills being very close – those are things that businesses like," Waniewski said.
Westgate owners say Piada Italian Street Food and Wingstop should be open for business in the first quarter of next year.
