Posted Tuesday, July 3, 2018 12:03 am

Community leaders announced Monday that Jimmy's Egg will soon open its first restaurant in the Southeast along Highway 78 in Jasper.

Jimmy's Egg is expected to open its doors in late August at the former site of Cafe Bill's, next to the Jasper Mall at 200 Highway 78 E. The restaurant will serve breakfast, brunch and lunch seven days a week, with operating hours from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Jimmy's Egg will employ about 25 people, officials said.



Among the restaurants specialties are eggs prepared 10 different ways and extensive omelette and pancake options. Traditional breakfast, skillet scrambles, hash brown dishes and other items will also be served for breakfast, and lunch guests will have a variety of salads, sandwiches, burgers and other fare to enjoy.

"We're continuing to search for retail opportunities for our community and area, and we're excited today to announce Jimmy's Egg," Chamber of Commerce of Walker County President Linda Lewis said during a small gathering at the future site of the restaurant Monday.

Husband-and-wife team Matt and Liz Fite own the Jimmy's Egg franchise in Jasper, and they are also the owners of Garfield's Restaurant at Jasper Mall. Matt Fite said the restaurant in Jasper will be the 65th Jimmy's Egg in the United States.

"We really plan on setting the bar for how we think breakfast should be served here in Jasper," Matt Fite said. "This company is well established in Oklahoma and the Midwest. It's not a new concept, but it's going to be new for here."

The inside of the restaurant has been cleared out to make way for renovations, which may include extending the ceiling height and creating a meeting space off from the main dining room.

Jasper Mayor David O'Mary said a meeting space would be particularly beneficial, since other restaurants in the area do not offer a private setting for business discussions over a meal.

Kevin Callahan, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of Walker County board, said he looks forward to seeing another business fill the vacated Cafe Bill's space, adding he thinks the new restaurant will do good business.

Prior to Cafe Bill's, the building was also home to Shoney's Restaurant.

"There's a long history in this building. This building has been a part of Jasper," Callahan said Monday. "When Bill's went away, that was a sad moment for everybody in town, so we're so glad to have somebody back in here that is going to be a part of the community."

O'Mary thanked the Fites for working with the city and the chamber to bring a new dining option to Jasper.

"I'd really be surprised, as you move forward, if you feel that you've made a mistake taking a chance on Jasper," O'Mary said. "As mayor of this city, I want to thank you for making this decision, and on behalf of all municipal government, I want you to know that we stand ready to help you in any way we can."

He added, "I was just talking with some folks here today about the activity and enthusiasm about what's going on in this city. The prospects for additional job growth is good."

Lewis said she expects other new business announcements to be made in the coming months.

Jimmy's Egg opened for business more than 35 years ago in Oklahoma City and was founded by Loc Le, a Vietnamese refugee who came to the United States in 1975. To view the menu for Jimmy's Egg, visit www.jimmysegg.com.

"We're excited. We cannot wait to get started," Matt Fite said.