CUMBERLAND — The companies that operate three national chain restaurants have confirmed that they plan to locate in Allegany County.
Jersey Mike’s Subs and Chipotle Mexican Grill will open Cumberland locations, while Longhorn Steakhouse will build its restaurant on Vocke Road in LaVale at the Country Club Mall entrance.
Jersey Mike’s will occupy the former LabCorp building at 320 S. Mechanic St., company spokesman Kyle Potvin said. The building is next to Wendy’s restaurant. LabCorp moved to Queen City Centre on Park Street last year.
The sub shop has more than 4,000 locations either open or in development.
Potvin said plans for the restaurant are still being finalized.
Longhorn plans a late fall or winter opening, Jessica Dinon, a spokesperson for Darden Restaurants, which operates the chain, said.
She said planning for the restaurant was in the early stages and other details weren’t available, but work has begun with the construction of a retaining wall on land at the Vocke and Country Club Mall roads intersection.
Chipotle’s restaurant at Park and Williams streets is expected to open next year, Annie Gradinger, a senior analyst in the company’s external communications department said. A Chipotle restaurant typically employs about 30 people and the company offers competitive benefits, she said.
Nearby at Queen City Center, a Dunkin’ franchise is being constructed next to Chick-fil-A.
Rural King
The farm, home and outdoor store Rural King announced in 2023 that it would locate in the former JCPenney space at the Country Club Mall.
Work recently began at the site, but the company declined to release details. Country Club Mall ownership didn’t respond to a request for information.
The family-owned company was founded in 1960 and operates more than 130 stores across 13 states. The LaVale location would be the company’s first in Maryland.