Stay tuned for neighbors of new Foothills Fry's

The announcement that the new Fry's grocery store in the Foothills is nearing completion and will open sometime in August brought a wave of questions about what else will be located in the complex the store will anchor.

Sorry, but there's no news on that front at this time, other than the fuel station and Chase bank that have already been announced.

Todd Kjar, spokesman for Brown Group, the developer for Fortuna Commons, told Comings and Goings last week that the company is “in negotiations with numerous potential tenants.” That includes a variety of restaurants and retailers one might expect in such a shopping center.

However, Kjar said he had no signed contracts as of mid-July and therefore no announcements to make. He also noted that construction likely won't start on the strip center until the grocery store is completed.

So, stay tuned.

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Several people have asked for an update on the Taco Bell planned for the Foothills area — it's supposed to be located north of Interstate 8 near the new McDonald's. Calls to the company were met with a message that it was in the process relocating offices and phones weren't hooked up yet.

So, again stay tuned.

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Other frequent questions are: “When is Five Guys Burgers opening?” and “Is Chick-Fil-A still coming?”

Soon is the answer to the Five Guys Burgers question and yes to the Chick-Fil-A question.

The website for Five Guys Burgers says the Yuma store is coming soon. That “soon” could be in the next few weeks.

However, a phone call and email to the Five Guys headquarters for clarification on just when “soon” would be weren't returned by press time.

It's going into the new building next to where Starbucks is located at the corner of 16th Street and Pacific Avenue. Five Guys got its beginning in 1986 in Virginia and is gathering fans across the nation. As its name implies, it has a simple menu — not much more than hamburgers and fries.

As for Chick-Fil-A, it will be built next door to Five Guys Burgers. The restaurant is in the final stages of the plan review process with the city.

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A new sports bar called Rumors is now open for business at 2852 E. Highway 95 where Ron's Place used to be. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The property has been completely renovated, and a new kitchen is under construction for the establishment, which is owned by Carole Coulter.

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In city of Yuma building activity, a permit has been issued for construction of the Tuscany Surgical Center, reported Randy Crist, city building official. The 3,300-square-foot center will be going in at Tuscany Plaza, the professional center at the corner of Avenue B and 28th Street.

In other building activity, Crist reported:

• Plans have been submitted by GSA for tenant improvements for a federal agency at 7102 E. 30th St. in the Yuma Center.

• Pizza Hut on 32nd Street is planning some cosmetic upgrades.

• Boost Mobile Service has submitted plans for tenant improvements at 280 S. 4th Ave.

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El Zarape, a recently opened Mexican restaurant at 1905 W. 8th St., truly is a family business. It is operated by Jesus Contreras, his wife Lilia and daughters Ana and Maria.

Previously, Jesus had cooked at Los Manjares de Pepe while Ana and Maria were waitresses, when a opportunity came up for them to open their restaurant.

El Zarape is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Summer hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and winter hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant can be reached at 782-7279.

While the menu lists lots of good-sounding dishes, if customers don't see what they're looking for on the menu, they can special order, Ana said.

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The Foothills Bank announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets and liabilities of the Casa Grande branch of Central Arizona Bank, an affiliate of Lansing, Mich.-based Capitol Bancorp Ltd.

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in the second half of this year. The Casa Grande branch will operate as The Foothills Bank. The combined organization serving Yuma and Pinal counties will have approximately $231 million in total assets.

“This acquisition fits within our strategic plan, which is to focus growth in communities similar to Yuma. Casa Grande fits that demographic profile and our banking philosophy of personal service and we believe the market has tremendous long-term value,” said Wayne Gale, Foothills Bank president and CEO.

The Foothills Bank was established in 1997. As of June 30, the bank had total assets of $214 million and equity capital over $28 million. The Casa Grande branch currently has over $17 million in assets with strong growth potential.

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Noah's Music Store, 1314 S. 5th Ave., is holding a liquidation sale in preparation for closing its doors by early fall. The store can be reached at 314-0105.

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Technicians for Alarms Security Networks are now certified to provide service for USAA ADT residential customers, which guarantees service performed within 24 hours. The office is located at the Citrus Plaza, 2260 S. 4th Ave., Suite F, or they can be reached at 328-1686 or 328-8123.

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The GEICO Local Office is celebrating 25 years of service to the Yuma and surrounding communities. In celebration, the office will hold a customer and future customer appreciation day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 5.

The insurance agency is located at 182 E. 16th St. and can be reached at 726-9610.

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Hall Brothers Construction and owner Brian Hall have been honored as the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month for July.

Hall Brothers Construction is a trade name for a group of affiliated companies that work together as one of the largest homebuilders in Yuma County. The companies were started in 1987 and have completed numerous subdivisions and homes from entry level to luxury for Yuma-area residents.

The companies use only local subcontractors and employ many construction workers in the area, according to the award's nomination.

At present, Hall Brothers Construction is selling homes at Ocotillo Desert, Saguaro Desert, Trail Estates and Las Estrellas subdivisions. Michael Hall, ERA Matt Fisher Realtor, is the exclusive broker for the companies.

Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.