Authored By chloe.morrison

Popular Middle Tennessee restaurant Puckett’s Restaurant is coming to Chattanooga and will be in the former downtown location of T.G.I. Friday’s.

“We absolutely love Chattanooga and have admired the progressive downtown market for some time now,” Puckett’s owner Andy Marshall said in a prepared statement.

He worked with leaders at downtown economic development organization River City Co. to find the “perfect location,” he also said.

“The entire district is full of life, with plenty to see and do and a very strong independent restaurant scene,” he said. “We’re looking forward to being a part of it all.”

This move helps the brand establish a regional presence while staying with a focus of downtown locations, according to a news release.

The Puckett’s brand started in the 1950s with a small grocery store in the village of Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee.

Now, Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant has locations in downtown Franklin, downtown Nashville and downtown Columbia.

The restaurant is known for Southern favorites, such as slow-smoked barbecue and live music.

The Chattanooga location will be at 2 Broad St., and leaders are working toward a spring 2015 opening.

The 6,750-square-foot first floor will include the eatery and large patio.

Former Chattanooga Mayor Jon Kinsey is serving as managing general partner for River Place, which is the building’s ownership entity.

Kinsey said Puckett’s is perfect for the area.

“So much has changed since 1993 when the building first opened,” he said in a prepared statement. “We were looking for the best possible option for visitors and locals alike, and Puckett’s is a proven winner in the Nashville market.”

And he said the addition will help spur additional tourism, employment and economic development.

The restaurant will hire about 70 people, according to a news release.