DELAND — West Volusia residents craving food from Chipotle Mexican Grill won't have to drive far for a fix much longer.
The fast-casual eatery is expected to open in DeLand's Country Club Corners shopping center later this year.
Jim Gendreau, president and owner of Tailwinds Development, said he was excited to confirm the restaurant as one of the future tenants in his project at the northeast corner of U.S. 17-92 and Orange Camp Road.
"I think Chipotle is going to be a great fit," Gendreau said this week.
The restaurant will be located next to a Mattress 1 and a Verizon Wireless store, both of which are under construction. Country Club Corners has also attracted popular brands Publix, Chick-fil-A and Starbucks.
DeLand resident Michele McCoy was happy to hear the Chipotle news, as she will no longer have to make a long drive to get her carnitas bowl.
"It's good, affordable and I can eat there safely," McCoy, who can't eat gluten, said.
Gendreau said he hopes to see the Chipotle open in August, which is also when he hopes a new Keke's breakfast cafe will open.
McCoy suggested the restaurant consider coming to DeLand via Facebook a few years ago.
"You'd do great here," McCoy wrote on the company's page. "Our city loves eating out and loves sustainable, organic, healthy foods!!"
While there is a little bit of retail space left in the shopping center, Gendreau said spots are going fast.
Gendreau said he's got letters of intent from three businesses that would like to go in retail space that will be built next to Pet Supermarket.
The nail salon next to Publix is moving into a bigger space in the same complex, and a barbershop will take its old place, Gendreau said.
He hopes the entire shopping center will be finished and leased within the next two years.