A Savannah dining tradition is coming to Statesboro. CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. (NYSE:CBL) and Ewing Southeast Realty have announced that Carey Hilliard’s Restaurants will join Statesboro Crossing, the retail development under construction at the corner of the Veterans Memorial Parkway and Brannen Street.

            Carey Hilliard’s has been a family tradition in Savannah since 1960 and is expected to open in Statesboro in the summer of 2009. 

“We are excited to open our first location in Statesboro, introducing our fast service and high-quality food to a brand new family market,” said Tim Hilliard, president of Carey Hilliard’s.  “Statesboro Crossing is a terrific project and we felt it was important to be included in the growth plans for this area.”

            According to Carey Hilliard's spokesman Thom Richardson, the Statesboro restaurant will be the eighth restaurant in the Carey Hilliard's chain.

            "We have six restaurants in Savannah, and one in Charleston," Richardson said. "People have been asking us for years to put a restaurant in Statesboro. This is a great opportunity."

            As with a lot of development in Bulloch County, there is a Georgia Southern University connection.

            "Mr. Hilliard's son T.J. (Hilliard) just graduated from Georgia Southern," Richardson said. "He was really the one who felt very strongly about building a restaurant in Statesboro and convinced his father that the time was right to build now. He is very confident about that market, and our decision. The GSU alumni plans to manage the new Statesboro Carey Hilliard's."

            Richardson said the Statesboro Carey Hilliard's may have a slightly different feel to it.

            "We will change up a few things to make it a little more student friendly," he said. "However, the menu will still center around fresh seafood, legendary barbecue, chicken fingers, hot wings and great sandwiches which have made Carey Hilliard’s one place the whole family can agree on."

            Statesboro Crossing will be anchored by T.J.Maxx, Hobby Lobby, Books-A-Million, and Petco and will also feature more than 38,000 square feet of specialty stores including Rack Room Shoes.  The grand opening for Statesboro Crossing is scheduled for fall 2008.    

            “Carey Hilliard’s will make a great addition to the growing roster of quality retail, restaurants and services at Statesboro Crossing,” said Steve Tingle, senior vice president - development for CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. “The project is attracting a great deal of interest and we are looking forward to making additional announcements.”