The first restaurant announced for the Town Madison development will also be the first of its kind currently operating in Alabama.

Nashville-based J. Alexander’s announced plans Friday to open its latest upscale restaurant in Madison. The restaurant will be about 7,350 square feet with seating for more than 200 guests. The restaurant will employ about 100 full- and part-time workers.

Construction will begin in the spring on the east end of Town Madison near Redstone Arsenal and the restaurant plans to open in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Redlands Grill, a restaurant in J. Alexander’s Holdings, Inc., has a location in Hoover. It previously had been a J. Alexander’s restaurant.

“We are extremely pleased to announce plans for our newest J. Alexander’s restaurant,” Mark A. Parkey, president and CEO of J. Alexander's Holdings, Inc., said in the announcement. “The signing of this lease follows extensive research to identify the most desirable site in this premier community. Town Madison boasts a superb business climate and quality of life.

"Over the years, we have earned a loyal following of guests from the greater Madison County region at both our J. Alexander’s restaurant in Franklin, Tenn., and our Redland’s Grill in Hoover. As such, we are excited with the opportunity to be in Madison and bring discerning guests the finest in classic American cuisine created by culinary professionals and a concept that spans nearly 30 years.”

Known for its wood-fired cuisine, according to the announcement, the J. Alexander’s menu will feature a wide selection of American classics – hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, prime rib of beef roasted on the bone, and premium sandwiches, along with a large assortment of interesting salads and homemade desserts. J. Alexander’s restaurants also offer an outstanding selection of award-winning wines by the glass and bottle.

Updated today, Jan. 31, 2020, to clarify that J. Alexander’s has previously operated a restaurant in Hoover.