Layne's Chicken in Lindale, TX

A new fast food restaurant is under development at 3207 S. Main Street in Lindale, Texas. The project, filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under the name Layne's Chicken - Lindale, involves the new construction of a 2,663 sq ft dining facility and related sitework. This development is owned by Layco Highway 69, LLC and is privately funded on private land. The estimated cost for this build is $1,200,000, which translates to $451 per square foot.

The construction timeline is defined by a January 2027 start date. The project was registered with TDLR in October 2026, and the filing indicates the work is targeted for June 2027. This scheduled build window of 172 days is close to the county median of 214 days for similar new construction projects in Smith County. The status of the project is Project Registered, with plan review pending.

Project Scope and Economic Context

The scope of work is specifically described as a new fast food restaurant and related sitework. The estimated cost of $1,200,000 is above the county median of $850,000 for new construction filings in Smith County. Similarly, the cost per square foot of $451 is above the county median of $164. While the size of 2,663 sq ft is smaller than the county median of 6,000 sq ft, the high cost per unit reflects the specialized nature of the fast food build-out.

The location is in Lindale, within Smith County. The ZIP code 75771 has a population of about 21,146 people according to U.S. Census ACS 2023 five-year estimates. The median household income in this area is $90,112, and the median owner-occupied home value is $266,000. These demographic figures provide context for the local market where this new restaurant is being built.

Regulatory and Labor Details

James Chesley Fancher is the registered accessibility specialist for this project. The Smith County unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in August 2026, which is lower than a year earlier. This labor market context is relevant for the construction workforce required to complete the sitework and interior build-out. The project remains in the pre-construction phase, with the official start date set for January 2027.

Readers should note that the TDLR record tracks construction and accessibility compliance, not business operations. The completion date on the filing is June 2027, but this refers to the end of construction activities. The business opening status is separate from the construction timeline and is not indicated in the registration facts provided.