Two new fast-food chains could be coming to Hampstead in the near future.
The U.S. 17 corridor running through Hampstead already boasts an array of fast-food options, but the two proposed chains wouldn't just be new to Hampstead -- they would be the first of their kind throughout the Wilmington area.
The two chains would also be built almost next to each other. Both fast food restaurants are planned for a piece of undeveloped land that is adjacent to the intersection of U.S. 17 and Washington Acres Road.
The intersection is located south of Hampstead on U.S. 17. The two fast food restaurants would be some of the latest developments in Hampstead's continuing sprawl.
Here are the two major chains that could be coming to Hampstead.
Del Taco
Del Taco is the larger of the two proposed fast food restaurants, with nearly 600 restaurants across the United States. The chain currently only has two locations in North Carolina, one in Durham and another in Kernersville.
Del Taco describes itself as a Mexican quick-service restaurants, though the chain serves burgers, fries and chicken alongside tacos and burritos. They also offer breakfast options.
The proposed Hampstead location is being developed by Impeccable Development, a Florida-based company.
The building would be around 1,150 square feet. Notably, it would only include 8 parking spaces, including 1 ADA space. According to site plans, a drive-thru would also be included.
Guthrie's Chicken
Guthrie's Chicken is a much smaller chain than Del Taco, with around 70 locations across the United States. The chain currently has one location in North Carolina, which is in Raleigh.
True to its name, Guthrie's focuses exclusively on chicken, selling chicken tenders and sandwiches.
The proposed location in Hampstead would sit only one lot apart from the proposed Del Taco. Site plans indicate the location would include a drive-thru and 25 parking spaces.
The site is being developed by Columbia Development.
While neither chain has officially announced the new locations or responded to inquiries from the StarNews, development on the site has already begun. The land for both parcels is being graded and prepped for future construction.
Charlie Kingree is the Pender County reporter for the StarNews. He can be reached at [email protected].