The Gainesville BJ's is part of the company's expansion program during 2009. The company is moving ahead with plans to open as many as nine to 11 new stores this year.
BJ's Restaurants currently has two eateries under construction and another four are in their final stages of permitting and plan development, according to Deitchle. The company also expects to start construction of its last one to three new chains in the third quarter of this year.
BJ's Restaurants Inc. currently owns and operates 84 casual dining restaurants, seven of which are in Orange County.