The Varsity will be coming to Watkinsville, but construction likely a ways down the road

A former Burger King in Watkinsville is set to be converted into a new location for The Varsity .

Located on Hog Mountain Rd., this new Varsity will be near Butler’s Crossing, a shopping center in Oconee County anchored by a Publix.

Along with this purchase, the Varsity still owns property located near Hobby Lobby at Epps Bridge Centre.

But the new location has been slow to develop since its purchase last fall.

What does this mean for The Varsity in Watkinsville?

"It is correct that the company did buy the former Burger King site at Butler's Crossing, and they do still own land by Hobby Lobby," Oconee County's Chamber of Commerce President Courtney Bernardi told the ABH on Wednesday. "There have been no plans released on when/if they plan to build or locate in the former Burger King site."

The hot dog joint closed its Athens location on Broad Street on June 20, 2021 after nearly 90 years in the college town. The restaurant chain opened its location in Bethlehem just over a year ago, giving Athens foodies a semi-close location.

One—or possibly two—locations in Watkinsville would be a welcomed sight for those craving a Frosted Orange, but it might be a while.

The Burger King site was purchased last year and Bernardi said at a May Board of Commissioners meeting that it would be eight to six months before any progress on the location. If that date holds true, it would be three to five months from now that work would begin.

Why is the Varsity such a hit?

The Varsity first opened in 1928. The menu includes:

• Hot dogs
• Burgers
• Chicken Nuggets
• Fries
• Onion rings
• Shakes
• Fried pies

Here are all of the current locations:

• 61 North Ave., Atlanta
• 6045 Dawson Blvd, Norcross
• 2790 Town Center Dr., Kennesaw
• 73 Bethel Lane, Dawsonville
• 410 Exchange Blvd., Bethlehem
• 185 Lakepoint Pkwy., Cartersville
• 879 Spider Webb Dr., Rome
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: The Varsity will be coming to Watkinsville, but construction likely a ways down the road