DANVILLE, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Danville City Council recently learned that a New Long John Silver’s Restaurant will be built next year and is expected to open in 2027.

The new building will be built on the empty lot directly south of the current location at 306 S. Gilbert on the former Rucker’s Auto Bodyshop location.

The City of Danville agreed to sell the lot to the restaurant for $20,000, which also includes the city’s acquisition of a back lot owned by the restaurant at a former location at 2709 North Vermilion Street. That lot sits behind the current Vermilion Liquors North and is in the middle of access to other businesses in that area. The landlocked lot will eventually be available for interested parties.

Current Long John’s employees were surprised by the news. “Right now, we are currently renting the building that we are in, and it has been here for a very long time,” said Bri Bowling, General Manager of Long John Silver’s. “It needs some work, but the new building will actually belong to the restaurant,”

Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. said he feels that this is a big win for Danville and that area. “I’m really excited to see investments being made because it’s better for our people,” Williams said. “About a couple million dollars will be spent on a slightly larger building, which will be good for our citizens to have a nicer place and for the economy. It will allow more tax dollars to be used for things like the schools.” he said. Williams also said that he hopes this will also encourage other investments to be made nearby.