Here are some of the new businesses coming to Mahomet this year

MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) — One Champaign County village continues to grow economically. Mahomet is welcoming new local businesses and some chain franchises as early as next month.

The village has been working to attract more business, and with more than four new ones coming by the end of October, officials say the goal is to have residents of Mahomet shop in Mahomet.

People in Mahomet will have lots of options for where to find their next meal beginning this fall. A Mexican restaurant named Hacienda Rebollo will be open by September. On the other side of Patton Drive, a new spot called Brik’s Pizzeria will open in October.

“Certainly looks good, and we’re excited about it,” said Village Administrator Patrick Brown.

This is in addition to new national chain restaurants like Dunkin’ Donuts and Papa John’s, both expected to open this fall.

Brown said they’re reaping the fruits of their labor.

“We’ve spent a lot of time here at the village concentrating on economic development initiatives,” Brown said. “We’ve always done that, but sometimes you don’t see some of that happening until you reach a certain population point.”

The village has invested in lots of resources, like using “TIF” money to set up areas of town to be more ready for crews to break ground.

“In the development business, you develop a raw site. You got to put roads in, and those are very expensive. You got to run your water and sewer. That’s very expensive. Some sites will make them shovel-ready, at least on the perimeter of their site. That’s all ready to go,” Brown added.

Brown said the hope of the village board is for more people to shop and buy local.

“The more choice and variety we have here, the less people may drive elsewhere for their entertainment or food choices,” Brown said.

Brown said the village has also invested in economic development specialists to help create these plans.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.