Keifer’s building in Madison
MADISON — Ground was broken here on Wednesday morning for Keifer’s.
The new restaurant is on Highland Colony Parkway across from Broadmoor Baptist Church.
Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler, alderman, other city officials, business leaders and Keifer’s owners Kevin and Carly Smith and their daughter Ella Jane were present for the groundbreaking.
Keith Kent, representing the Smiths, said residents have asked about a Keifer's in Madison ever since the Smiths purchased the Belhaven location in Jackson in 2016.
“We want to thank the mayor, the city staff, planning and zoning, public works department, the alderman, and all the people who are talented there that give their time each day to making Madison the city it is. We’re also honored to do our first project with Codaray Construction.”
He said the Keifer’s in Madison wants to continue the longstanding tradition that formed in Jackson.
“The Jackson location has been there for over 40 years, and we’re excited to carry that here to Madison,” Kent said. “This building will replicate the one in Jackson, and will have the same format except this one will be larger.
Kent added the Madison location will be open seven days a week and will have more seating than the Jackson location (up to 260 guests), along with a dedicated to-go section, and extensive indoor and outdoor dining. He said there are hopes to have a tempered outdoor space that customers can use during any season.
“Great things can be accomplished when we work together,” he said.
Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler said she recalled how excited everyone was when Keifer’s was first announced in Madison.
“Everyone wanted to know where, when and how,” Hawkins-Butler said. “We’ll remember this day when we broke ground on this corner, for a wonderful business in this community. This is just another important cornerstone in this community. People are dying to eat at this wonderful restaurant, and you couldn’t have a better location. God bless you all and thank you for the parts you’ve played.”
Keifer’s, which was established in Jackson in the 1980s, is known for their Greek cuisine such as gyros, feta dressing, and french fries.
The Madison Keifer’s is estimated to open sometime in 2023.