A common question for Charlottesville area locals in the past has often been “what should we do today?” This tiny town boasts many food gems and popular locations for adults, but has been somewhat lacking in teen-focused entertainment. But with the addition of more recent spots like Jump! Cville, The Shops at Stonefield, The Violet Crown Cinema, and now Wegmans, the town is quickly becoming more appealing to teens and people of all ages.

Charlottesville’s expansion has no end in sight, as plenty more new stores will soon be coming to the area; including the following:

1. Texas Roadhouse

Breathing life into the once-dead shopping center of Albemarle Square, Texas Roadhouse has taken the place of what was once Outback Steakhouse. The Texas Roadhouse chain is famous for what it calls “American fare with a southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor” and boasts about its “Texas- sized portions.” The restaurant specializes in hand-cut steaks, ribs, fresh baked rolls, and buckets of free peanuts at every table. “It’s nice not having to drive all the way to Richmond for some good steak,” said Junior Alex Logan. For job availability, menus, and more information, visit https://www.texasroadhouse.com/.

2.   L.L. Bean

Soon coming to The Shops at Stonefield on Route 29 and Hydraulic is LL Bean, the company behind the duck-boots craze.  They offer a wide variety of outdoor clothing and footwear, as well as sporting, camping, and more outdoor gear.

The outdoors specialist is scheduled to open its doors this summer. Moving into a 15,000 sq. ft. retail space, the store will occupy the previous location of Fluvanna-based Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, which went out of business in January of 2016.

LL Bean’s most popular and best-selling products include the famous duck boots. They are available in a variety of different lengths and colors, and range from $89-$229. Their pullover jacket  is similar to Patagonia’s but comes at a much cheaper price ($59-$75). Finally, this brand is popular for their athletic wear; offering leggings, joggers, tank tops, and light jackets. To see all of LL Bean’s products, prices, and selection online, visit https://www.llbean.com/.

3.   Krispy Kreme

After the loss of Spudnuts, a downtown Cville donut and coffee shop that been around for decades, locals were without a donut shop until now. One announcement that has many locals anxious to see the sign “Hot and Now” is the arrival of a new Krispy Kreme Donuts to 5th Street Station. According to NBC 29, Divaris Real Estate announced on Dec. 30 that the company had signed a lease for a 3,000 sq. ft.store in the Wegman’s shopping center. The new store will open 12 years after the company’s original Charlottesville factory factory store departed its Emmett St. location in 2004.

4. Zions Crossroads’ Additions

Recently, Zions Crossroads has expanded from just a few stores to a hopping location with a brand-new Dunkin Donuts, Popeyes, Burrit-Ohh (similar to Chipotle), Taco Bell, and a popular pizza place by the name of Lelo’s (formerly known as Christian’s Pizza). The opening of these restaurants has also given students the opportunity to find jobs not too far from home. Now a Taco Bell employee, Junior Mariah Tawney is glad to have found a job. “Luckily, with so many new options, it wasn’t too hard to find a job. Although it’s always hard to start a brand new location, I’m glad to have found this job,” she said.

5. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

In early summer 2017, the first Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is expected to open its doors in Charlottesville’s 5th Street Station plaza. Unlike most cinemas, this particular location offers in-theatre dining and drinks (including 30 different craft beers), as well as upgraded seating with recliner availability.

The theatre will also feature one of the first premium large format screens in America, which includes the latest Sony Digital Cinema 4K projection and upgraded digital sound. “I can’t wait until this theatre opens and I have another fun place to hang out with my friends,” said Sophomore Caroline Haislip.