Cheesecake Factory seems to be coming to Hamilton Place

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – We heard that a leading restaurant chain was negotiating to come to Hamilton Place.

Now we’ve got some evidence that it will happen.

The Cheesecake Factory has filed for a land disturbing permit for work outside the mall.

If the permits are approved it could soon mean the restaurant based out of California will soon have a location in Chattanooga.

The closest Cheesecake Factory to the Tennessee Valley is in Knoxville and Atlanta.

Mall management was also negotiating with the Dave and Busters restaurant chain, which is not in our area.

So what other national chains still don’t have a presence here?

Here is a breakdown in several categories.

TOP FAST FOOD

Chipotle (#14 nationally) The Mexican fast casual was expanding until the 2015 norovirus scare derailed those plans. The brand is slowly recovering. Closest locations in Nashville & Atlanta

Whataburger (#23 nationally) Southwestern burger chain that is beginning to move into the Southeast in Alabama and one location in Thompasville Georgia.

Culvers (#27) Culver’s Midwest chain featuring Butterburgers & ice cream has moved into Atlanta, Nashville and Knoxville.

TOP RESTAURANTS

Maggiano Little Italy (#2) Top ranked Italian chain & second best overall in Marketforce survey. Fresh, upscale. 42 locations including Nashville & Atlanta

Pappadeux Seafood Kitchen (#3) Family friendly seafood from Texas & Louisiana, closest locations in Birmingham & Atlanta.

B.J.’s Brewhouse (#10) Southern California meets Chicago deep dish pizza & craft beer. 15 states including 1 Tennessee location in Murfreesboro.

TOP RETAIL

Macys National retailer that has been recruited to our area but without success. Like most other Department store chains, Macys has been closing more stores than opening them recently.

Ikea – Worldwide furniture and home offerings. Company just cancelled plans to open their first Tennessee location in Nashville.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Menards – Midwest Home Improvement chain, but the furthest south they have come so far is Kentucky.

GROCERIES

Albertson/Safeway (west), HEB (southwest), Meijer (midwest), Wegmans (northeast) are all top 20 chains in the U.S., but grocery chains generally stick to regions.

Sprouts Farmers Market: Phoenix based grocery chain specializing in fresh, organic & gluten-free products. Closest locations in Huntsville, Atlanta, Murfreesboro.