Tom Tsopelas is coming back home in a way.
The Lynwood native, who now lives in the Milwaukee area, and his family are on board as the franchisee for a Golden Corral restaurant in Chicago Heights.
The project stalled last year when the previous franchisee backed out after “things didn’t work out,” said Don Peelman, an economic development project consultant representing the $4 million project.
Now, it’s back on track and the buffet-style restaurant is expected to open in August at 375 N. Halsted St.
Tsopelas has signed a lease with the development company, Terraco Real Estate Development and Management, and is just waiting for the building to go up. Construction will begin in March.
Chicago Heights Mayor Anthony DeLuca said development is essential to the city’s growth because it means new revenue for the city.