Jimmy John’s to open downtown
Jimmy John’s Sandwiches and Subs will open on Third Street this fall, bringing delivery and late hours to downtown, the local franchisee told the Downtown Development District on Tuesday.
Jimmy John’s will locate in the 1,000-square-foot space next to the Baton Rouge Police Department storefront in the state parking garage at 201 Third St.
Kyle Wilkinson, who operates the Jimmy John’s restaurants on Perkins Road and Coursey Boulevard, said the downtown restaurant will deliver sandwiches by bicycle and stay open late on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, drawing a cheer from the audience.
Wilkinson said Jimmy John’s has been trying to get into that spot for about four years, but the lease was difficult because it didn’t include funds for build-out.
Also on Tuesday, DDD Executive Director Davis Rhorer said the East Baton Rouge Mortgage Finance Authority has authorized up to $250,000 to plan the Baton Rouge greenway, a trail system that would link seven BREC parks from City Park to Memorial Stadium running through downtown and under the Interstate 110 overpass.
Rhorer said the funding is crucial because the DDD has $1.4 million in funds to begin constructing the greenway in sections but wants to have the entire trail planned because most of the federal funding opportunities require projects be fully planned.
Also, Rhorer and board Chairwoman Chris Nichols asked downtown supporters to contact members of the Metro Council and urge them to vote in favor of an upcoming $380,000 funding package for signs at the new town square, lighting for the stage canopy at Galvez Plaza, pedestrian improvements on Lafayette Street and lighting and other enhancements to the area under the I-110 overpass.