Dunkin’ launched its latest outlet on Highway 80 East on Friday, offering a variety of coffees, donuts, and other popular treats. Just days later, on Monday, nearby Popeyes began serving its renowned fried chicken and New Orleans-inspired specialties, marking the opening of its second Popeyes location in Statesboro. Both establishments are owned by Tiku Shroff, a prominent restaurateur in the region who also operates another Dunkin’ and Popeyes on Fair Road, as well as a Dunkin’ located inside Walmart Supercenter.
Shroff acquired the three-acre location for these new restaurants in August 2023, strategically positioned across from Lowe’s and near the entrance to Bel-Air Estates. The area has seen a surge in development, joining a growing list of restaurants and businesses that opened in the past year, which includes Texas Roadhouse, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Que, and Five Guys. Construction is underway for an AutoZone auto parts store, set to open in 2025.
With the increasing population in southern Bulloch County, particularly as the new Hyundai EV Metaplant prepares to ramp up production, the Highway 80 East corridor is poised for further growth and development, attracting businesses and opportunities to the area.
Tiku Shroff, who has been a fixture in Statesboro’s restaurant scene since 1981, boasts an impressive history in the industry. He graduated from Georgia Southern and opened his first restaurant, Sub Station II, in 1987. Following his initial venture, he branched out to operate a Baskin Robbins franchise on Fair Road. Shroff has expanded his portfolio over the decades and continues to be a significant player in the region’s dining landscape.
His journey illustrates not just personal success but also the economic growth of Statesboro, catering to a community that is eager for new dining experiences. With the advent of these new establishments, the local economy is likely to see a positive boost, creating jobs and enhancing the overall community experience.
In summary, the openings of Dunkin’ and Popeyes under Tiku Shroff’s stewardship not only enrich the local culinary scene but also signify a bright future for business development in Statesboro, reflecting the area’s growing appeal.