BEAUMONT, Texas — The last location in Southeast Texas of a popular pizza restaurant shut down in May leading to speculation over what might replace it.
At one time there were multiple Mazzio's restaurants located throughout the Golden Triangle but by 2024 only the Nederland restaurant, across from Central Mall, remained.
For those wondering what will replace the pizza joint, the wait is over. It's chicken.
The second Layne's Chicken Fingers in Southeast Texas will be opening in the building at 3028 FM365 later this year.
"The building made sense. And the deal made sense," said Masroor Fatany, Founder of AYG Food Services LLC.
AYG operates 13 Layne's in Texas and one in West Virginia with two more locations coming soon in Nederland and San Marcos. The company also owns The Halal Guys. There are 17 Halal Guys in Texas and three around Atlanta.
"The people have been wonderful," Fatany said. "So we were just overwhelmed with support."
In November 2023 the Layne's Chicken Fingers opened its doors in Beaumont and was quite a hit according to Fatany.
"The community has really embraced us. When we opened that first week, we had lines all the way to I-10," Fatny said. "We had to hire security to manage traffic. And, you know, our neighbors have been wonderful."
So it should be no surprise that they chose to expand to a new area of Southeast Texas.
"We were fortunate to find the Mazzio's location that was available," Fatany said."We've got our plans approved with the county and construction has commenced."
The chain prides itself on its commitment to the community.
Last year the chain gave away free meals to first responders at the Beaumont location.
"Same thing with teachers, we want to recognize people who are on the frontlines doing all the really important work," said Geoffrey Herbert, president of AYG. "And whenever we have an opportunity, we'll do that."
Although construction has barely started, the restaurant's doors are expected to open later this year.
"Everybody knows construction is always a little difficult to predict," Fatany said. "We're targeting towards before the end of the year."
The company feels like there's still room to grow in Southeast Texas
"Ultimately, we hope this isn't our last one in the Beaumont-Nederland area," said Herbert.