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New businesses set to open in the Boro
W Carey Hilliards sign
      Let's open the door to the "fun" news department. What do you all love to talk about? New businesses. So here we go.
       On Aug. 10, Carey Hilliard's restaurant is scheduled to open in Statesboro Crossing. The Savannah-based restaurant operation is in the final stages of prepping for its grand opening.
       "We will be ready for business at 11 a.m. on the 10th," T.J. Hilliard said. The 2008 Georgia Southern graduate pointed out the efficient upscale design being used for the restaurant.
       "From the floors to the counter tops, this design is modern, low maintenance and environmental friendly," he said. "This restaurant has a very nice bar and televisions. The first week, we intend to play sitcoms from the 1950's. We want to have a very comforting feel in here."
       Hilliard said the restaurant can accommodate 175 patrons and serve 12 curbside dining cars. It will be open Monday through Sunday.
       Beall's Outlet plans to open a store in the Statesboro Mall this fall. According to company spokesman Bill Webster, this store will be in the space formerly occupied by Goody's Department Store.
       "We have been looking at the Statesboro market for a number of years, and we are very excited," Webster said. "Our older stores are quite small, but this one will total 27,000 square feet. This one will have a whole new format, new decor."
       Beall's, Inc. is the parent company of Beall's Department Stores, Inc, Beall's Outlet Stores, Inc., and Burke's Outlet Stores, Inc. The corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates over 560 retail store sites in states across the Sun Belt, from Florida to California with annual sales over one billion dollars. Webster said that his company has opened a number of new stores in this challenging economy.
       "Overall, we have done fairly well," Webster said. "The economy has been very challenging in the state of Florida, but we have managed to stay on track with sales. Value priced retailers have seen the most growth in this economy. That coupled with the fact that we offer brand names has resulted in relatively strong sales."
       Webster wasn't sure of the date that the Statesboro store would open, but said that it would definitely be this fall.
       Finally, more news to report. Some of you may find this a little surprising - I know I did - but, Maurices has announced that a new store will be opening at Statesboro Crossing this October. I have been told that the original Statesboro Maurices in the Statesboro Mall will remain open giving us two locations. The new store will be 4,928 square feet. Statesboro loves its Maurices, so now, there will be that much more to love.
       Established in 1931, Maurices is wholly owned by Dressbarn Inc. (NASDAQ:DBRN). The company operates more than 700 stores in 44 states, with 16 stores in Georgia.

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