MARTINSVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — New national restaurant chains are heading to Commonwealth Boulevard West in Martinsville.

Work is already underway on some projects and others moving through the development process.

A Chipotle Mexican Grill is scheduled to open by the first quarter of 2026 next to the current Dollar Tree, according to Andrew Palmer, Vice President of Lester Properties and President of Lester Development Corporation.

Palmer told rbs news now that Lester will build the shell of the structure, while Chipotle will later outfit the interior with equipment to open.

Chipotle spokesperson Annie Gradinger confirmed the project, saying, “We are currently scheduled to open a new location in Martinsville on Commonwealth Boulevard next year. Those are the only details I have to share right now.”

A Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is also in the pipeline, planned for a site near the existing ALDI store on Commonwealth Boulevard West.

Construction had been awaiting a city waterline extension, which was approved during a Martinsville City Council meeting on April 29.

Palmer also confirmed that Lester is working with a national franchisee to bring a donut business to the corridor, likely to be located near the future Popeyes.

He did not disclose the name of the franchise but said more details will be announced at a later date.

A project previously reported by Luis Romero in January 2022 is no longer moving forward as originally planned.

At that time, Romero revealed that court documents showed 1.2 acres of land on the north side of Commonwealth Boulevard had been purchased for a proposed Zaxby’s location.

Palmer said one of the partners involved in that purchase is no longer associated with the project and they are now looking to sell both the land and the development rights.

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