LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The first Texas Roadhouse is moving to a larger location in Clarksville, leaving a major space to fill at Green Tree Mall.
The restaurant chain announced earlier this year that it would leave the southern Indiana mall for a 10,000-square-foot building off Veterans Parkway, near Bubba’s 33 on Medical Plaza Way.
According to zoning documents obtained by Louisville Business First, the new Clarksville restaurant will be the largest Texas Roadhouse location in the chain.
The Green Tree Mall restaurant was the chain’s first ever location, opened in 1993 by founder Kent Taylor.
Now, longtime southern Indiana residents are mourning the closure of a space with a rich history and nostalgic feel.
"(It's) kind of sad that it's leaving the mall because that's where it all started," said Jill Richey, longtime southern Indiana resident. "So I think this is great that it's moving...but kind of miss that old time feel about it."
Richey said she and her friends would head to the "TR" every Friday after work to share some chicken strips and fries, drink a beer and watch live music.
"It was a good time," she said. "...It was the original one, so it'll be missed."
The move also raises questions about what comes next for mall itself, which has been a staple in southern Indiana for almost 60 years.
Richey said Texas Roadhouse brings a lot of business for Green Tree, and she hopes another company will be able to take its place.
"I don't want to see the mall leave this area because it brings a lot of revenue," Richey said "And so I would hate to see that hurt the mall."
In response to multiple questions about the mall's future, Green Tree Mall manager Bob McEwen said the Texas Roadhouse has been a "valued part" of the mall for many years and that the mall is actively working to fill the space.
The full statement can be found below:
"Texas Roadhouse has been a valued part of Green Tree Mall for many years, and we're sorry to see this location go. It has been a staple our shoppers and the surrounding community, and a place where many have gathered and built memories throughout its time here.
"We understand Texas Roadhouse's decision to relocate within Clarksville, and we wish them continued success. As their space becomes available, we are actively working to fill it with a use that serves Green Tree Mall's shoppers and reflects our ongoing commitment to the community we've been part of for decades."
No closing date for the original location has been set, but the new location is expected to open in mid-November. The nearly 150 employees at the current location are set to transfer to the new location, with additional staff to come.
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