Mayor hints at future development

 

 

By Wade Daffron

TJ Editor

 

Wait…what was that?

At the conclusion of a groundbreaking ceremony last week for a new Shogun restaurant in Russell Springs, Mayor Eddie Thomas spoke about what was not only happening in the present, but hinted about what may happen in the future.

“This restaurant is just not another building going up,” he told a group of local officials, business people, and citizens. “It’s going to be a cornerstone of this new development and sets the tone for what’s coming next.”

Say what?

For now, the mayor chose to focus on the uniqueness of there new restaurant, and it’s ability to “bring people in to the city.”

“We’ve got something no one else has,” he said. “Instead of us having to leave to go somewhere else, we can bring people here. People can come here, eat here, buy gas, and fellowship here. That’s the kind of restaurant this is.”

Last Thursday’s official welcome of the new eatery was a celebration of collaboration and commitment.

Russell Springs Economic Development Director Jeramy Coffey thanked Shogun owners Harlan Judd and Ron Salvador for choosing to locate here.

“I can’t tell you what it means for you to be here and finally get to this day,” Coffey said.

“A lot of people worked tirelessly to make this come to fruition,” Judd said, praising local recruitment efforts. “We were impressed by the city’s leadership and the direction of Russell Springs and Russell County.”

Judd said facts such as local “growth, the industry initiatives, and the revitalization efforts taking place in Russell Springs and Russell County” helped to make their decision.

But one of the main factors was “your city and your county’s focus on hospitality,” he said, and truly understanding what hospitality is.”

“Hospitality is not a business transaction, it’s a human transaction,” Judd said. “Hospitality is a super-power. We look forward to sharing some of that hospitality…with some unforgettable moments and shared experiences.”

“We look forward to dining with you very soon,” he said.

State Rep. Josh Branscum praised the progress being seen in his home county.

 

 

“This is a great day for our community,” he said. “Moments like this are about more than just a building, They represent growth, opportunity, and a belief in the future of our area.”

Russell County Judge Executive Randy Marcum echoed the positive and enthusiastic theme of speakers at the event.

“Today matters,” he said. “This project represents growth, opportunity and continued investment in this community.”

Mayor Thomas took to the podium to express his appreciation for everyone’s patience as the project has unfolded.

“This project has been about four or five years in the making,” he said. “Long conversations, a lot of planning and a lot of folks working behind the scenes to get where we’re at.”

Thomas addressed the complexities of such a projects and the competitiveness involved.

He recalled an early conversation in which Salvador made a commitment.

“He had a lot of people running after him, but he said he was coming to Russell Springs,” Thomas recalled. “I believed him. He’s a man of his word. They made good on their promise. That says a lot about their belief in this community.”

Following a ceremonial groundbreaking in which officials and those involved shoveled dirt, Judd said he hopes the restaurant will be within “15 months” at SK Lane, adjacent to FiveStar, off U.S. 127 adjacent to the Louis B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway.

The project was first announced in July of 2024.

Since then, a Shogun food truck has made appearances at the site of the future, sit-down restaurant.