CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Construction of a new Rally’s Burger franchise at 7911 Auburn Blvd., near the corner of Grand Oaks Boulevard outside of Steve Cook’s Fireside Lanes continues to move forward, said its owner/franchisee, Ben Aibuedefe of Roseville, with completion of a sewer line connection this past week.

Construction of a new water line to the restaurant and connection of PG&E gas and electric service this month will move the restaurant closer towards its targeted grand opening sometime this spring, he said.

“A new water line has to be dug along Grand Oaks Avenue to the restaurant to be connected. I’m working with my subcontractors to get that done,” he said.

Aibuedefe had filed initial plans for the 827-square-foot modular restaurant building in February 2018 and received Planning Commission approval in June of the same year. The business owner said he chose to open the restaurant in Citrus Heights because of the city’s Auburn Boulevard redevelopment plan.

“As soon as all utilities, water, sewer, electrical and gas are connected, I’ll be asking for a preliminary utility inspection so there will be no surprises,” he said. “We’ll be ready for final inspection.”

While he hoped to open the drive-thru restaurant last December, unplanned utility construction delays have dragged the timeline much longer. Aibuedefe directly submitted all the utility applications himself, making the required revisions along the way.

“It’s been a learning curve to say the least,” Aibuedefe said.

Rally’s, decorated with checkered flags and a racing theme exterior, features a menu of burgers, fries, and hotdogs, along with beverages and shakes. “Our emphasis is on freshness, quality, speed and service.” The restaurant will offer a single-lane drive-thru and walk-up service.

On its website, the new Citrus Heights Rally’s restaurant is looking to hire team members, assistant manager, shift managers at the new location at 7911 Auburn Boulevard. Applicants can apply online at careers.checkers.com

“I hope to announce a hiring fair at the restaurant once all of the required inspections are completed,” he said. “I’ll be looking to employ and train 25-30 people when we open.”

In general, Aibuedefe said the operational support which he has received from Rally’s parent company has been excellent.

Aibuedefe said he expects completion of exterior signage and landscaping to go quickly. Construction of the interior kitchen is already completed.

“I don’t want to speculate on an exact grand-opening date at this time, but I’m confident it’s getting closer.”

The Tampa, Florida-based restaurant chain, Checkers Drive-In, Inc., operates Checkers Drive-In restaurants in its eastern and midwestern markets and Rally’s in the west. A second Rally’s is open on Florin Road in Sacramento.