If you’ve been keeping an eye on the dirt work occurring at the old Tommy’s Kingburger location on Harrison Street in Batesville, you’ll know the building that housed the now long-gone burger and fries hangout was demolished in early January (see images below).
Now comes official word as to what business is heading to the old Tommy’s address.
The lot is being prepped for what is being called the “flagship” location of the soon-to-be-rebranded Nova Joe’s.
According to a media release from Nova Joe’s, the new Batesville location at 2100 Harrison St. will “…become the model for their new concept stores and will lead them into future expansion.”
The Batesville-based drive-thru coffee shop launched in 2019 with a location at 3000 Jennings Lane (pictured above).
The Nova Joe’s concept store, the first of which is scheduled to open in May at 3212 Race Ave. in Searcy, will offer an expanded menu featuring a chicken breakfast sandwich; fresh-cooked “Nova Bites”; chicken nuggets, tenders, and chicken sandwiches served on yeast rolls; and “uniquely cut french fries that can’t be found anywhere else in the state,” the release said.
The stores will also feature Nova Joe’s “classic coffee and espresso drinks, and fan-favorite espresso milkshakes.”
Zac Stewart, Nova Joe’s creator and owner, said in the release he did not have chicken in mind when he initially opened his drive-thru only coffee shop.
“I was presented with an idea to expand and serve high-quality food items that would pair well with our superior espresso. After a lot of research and taste testing, we believe this will be an excellent combination that will please a variety of guests.” Stewart said.
Stewart said it was successful business entrepreneur Robert Foster, most well-known for his launch of Spartan Mowers, who approached him with the idea of expanding.
“People are busy, and their schedules are crazy,” Foster said in the release. “We want to serve people great food and drinks that will help make their day better. Hence the concept behind the new Nova Joe’s slogan — ‘Let’s Make Today Better!’”
The slogan is a part of their overall rebranding, which will also include a new logo, icon, and color scheme.
“This rebranding helps us define who we are. We want Nova Joe’s logo to be synonymous with our goal of positively encouraging faith, family, and community,” said Stewart.
An official opening date for the new Batesville location after its completion has not been announced, but the dirt and foundation work continues.
Images from the January 2021 demolition of the former Tommy’s Kingburger building on Harrison Street. A new concept and flagship store for Nova Joe’s will be built at the location.
The future location of the new Nova Joe’s flagship store. Image from April 13, 2021.
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