In the coming months, at least four new restaurants are expected open in Oxford and the University of Mississippi. The new lineup includes fast-food chicken establishments and a highly anticipated Minor Hall addition.
Jimmy John’s has replaced Papa John’s in Minor Hall, offering students one free sandwich per week during the spring semester if they sign up for the unlimited plus 1, weekly 15 or weekly 12 meal plans through Ole Miss Dining.
Jimmy John’s long-standing location on Jackson Avenue, tucked into the Goose Creek Mall, remains open.
A proposed Chick-fil-A location on Sisk Avenue in Oxford Commons is under review by the city of Oxford.
Chick-fil-A team member and junior psychology major Reagan Houston, who has been an employee at the Jackson Avenue location since February, expressed her excitement for the new location.
“I think it is a wonderful idea. It’ll give more access to the other side of town that wants their Chick-fil-A fix,” Houston said.
The new location will feature both a drive-thru and indoor dining area for guests.
“The new location will be a huge aid in helping us serve guests better. Not only will it provide more access, allowing people to go to either location, but on game days especially, having two stores will allow us to serve more guests and to be more efficient in our production,” Houston said. “Everyone loves Chick-fil-A, and this is just a perfect opportunity to show more love to our community here in Oxford.”
Chick-fil-A is not the only chain food franchise seeking to open another location in Oxford. Chipotle Mexican Grill is expected to debut a second spot in Oxford Commons as well in mid-2024. Chipotle currently operates a West Jackson Avenue location.
Freshman forensic chemistry major Sophie Krumhansl shared her opinion on the forthcoming arrival of Chipotle’s second location.
“I plan to visit the new Chipotle for sure, and I am very excited to see what they have to offer the community,” Krumhansl said.
This Chipotle will hold indoor seating, mobile ordering and a drive-thru line unlike the other location, giving customers many dining choices.
Connie’s Chicken is building an Oxford operation next to Popeyes on West Jackson Avenue. Connie’s serves a variety of chicken options in addition to breakfast foods, including their blueberry donuts and sausage and gravy biscuits.
Created by Constantine Asters and his eldest son Mike in 1978, Connie’s Chicken has been a staple in Tupelo for more than four decades. The establishment is now owned by Nickle Smith and Tres Brasell after Mike’s death in late 2020.
This location also will offer dinner service, expanding their hours past when the Tupelo location is open.
