The Ripple in Five
From new restaurants to expanding businesses, Jefferson County has several changes underway as 2026 draws to a close.
WATERTOWN, N.Y. — Jefferson County’s business landscape continues to change, with new restaurants, retail shops, and commercial developments appearing throughout the region. While some businesses have already opened their doors, others are still working through construction schedules, planning approvals, and infrastructure requirements.
Here’s a look at what’s happening across the county.
Dave’s Hot Chicken: What’s the Hold-Up?
One of Watertown’s most anticipated restaurant arrivals is Dave’s Hot Chicken, the nationally expanding chain known for its Nashville-style chicken tenders and sliders.
In February, COR Development announced that the restaurant had signed a lease for the former TGI Fridays building at Towne Center at Watertown on outer Arsenal Street.
The original announcement projected a spring 2026 opening, but the project has experienced delays.
On September 2, the Town of Watertown Planning Board voted to deny the site-plan application because it remained incomplete. According to the official meeting minutes, page 3, the board will take no further action until the applicant submits a completed application.
The decision does not establish that Dave’s Hot Chicken has abandoned Watertown. However, a revised opening date has not been confirmed.
A New Travel Center Along Route 12F
Another major commercial development is underway near the intersection of State Route 12F and County Route 196.
The Briad Group is developing a multi-brand Circle K travel center that will combine fuel services, convenience shopping, and restaurant options.
Town planning records identified Wendy’s and Jimmy John’s among the proposed restaurant tenants.
In a September 29 announcement, the developer confirmed that the Watertown travel center was under construction, with an anticipated opening in January 2027.
The final tenant lineup and grand opening date have not yet been independently confirmed.
Stewart’s Shops Continues Looking to Expand
Stewart’s Shops has also been pursuing a new location on outer Arsenal Street, across from the Target shopping plaza.
However, the project has encountered difficulties involving access-road agreements and transportation requirements.
The September 2 Planning Board minutes, page 2 document the denial of Stewart’s site-plan application because required agreements had not been finalized.
According to WWNY’s September 9 reporting, the company subsequently proposed sharing the cost of traffic-signal improvements as negotiations continued.
Elsewhere in Jefferson County, Stewart’s is pursuing another location near Alexandria Bay. Plans call for a new convenience store on the former Big M property along Route 12, while preserving the existing building for another potential retail business.
Those plans were outlined in a March 30 report by WWNY.
Coffee, Banking, and Industrial Growth
Not every development involves a national restaurant chain.
Jumpin Goat has proposed another drive-through coffee shop along State Street in Watertown, near Little Caesars and across from Burger King.
The proposed location would include two drive-through lanes and walk-up service. The project received zoning variances in April, according to WWNY’s coverage of the Zoning Board decision.
A confirmed opening date has not been established.
Meanwhile, Carthage Savings is constructing a new bank building at the corner of Washington and Mullin streets.
The former medical building on the property was demolished in January to make room for the approximately 7,000-square-foot, two-story facility. The bank intends to relocate its existing downtown Watertown branch to the new property.
Industrial development is also part of the picture.
Roth Industries, located in Watertown’s industrial park, has pursued expansion plans that include additional storage space and approximately 10 new employees, according to WWNY’s July 9 report.
What’s New in Downtown Watertown?
Several smaller businesses have already brought changes to the city’s commercial districts.
DiPaolo’s Deli opened in October, taking over the former Vito’s Gourmet location and retaining many familiar menu items.
The historic Paddock Arcade also welcomed Taste of the Philippines and Frosted Couture Cakery, both featured in WWNY’s March coverage of new arcade tenants.
On Public Square, The Card Forge NNY introduced another option for trading-card collectors and tabletop gaming enthusiasts.
Salmon Run Mall has experienced changes of its own. Bad Apple Pit Stop opened in August, while Little Eve Desserts and Reczko’s Touch of Country were among its other 2026 additions.
The mall’s official tenant listings identify these businesses and their announcement dates.
Development Beyond Watertown
Commercial activity is not limited to the county’s largest city.
In Clayton, JRECK Subs returned to the community with a location on James Street.
The Sweet Bar also joined the village’s retail offerings, featuring candy, chocolates, and homemade fudge.
The longtime Koffe Kove diner changed ownership, with its new owners announcing plans to refresh the business under the name The Kove.
Both developments were featured in WWNY’s April 3 report on Clayton businesses.
Elsewhere, a new Dollar General opened in Adams Center, while Jumpin Goat opened its Carthage-area location along Cole Road in August.
Another Restaurant Coming to the Airport
One more development residents may want to watch is taking shape at Watertown International Airport.
As part of the airport’s improvements, the former terminal is being repurposed into a restaurant and meeting space intended to serve travelers and the wider community.
The September 2025 edition of NNY Business, a Watertown Daily Times publication, reported on page 5 that Bad Apple Saloon had been selected to operate the restaurant.
According to WWNY’s August 13 airport update, the restaurant is expected to open in early 2027.
Looking Ahead
Jefferson County’s commercial landscape continues to evolve, even as individual projects progress at different speeds.
Some businesses are already welcoming customers. Others are under construction, while several remain dependent on planning decisions, transportation agreements, or final approvals.
As 2027 approaches, these developments offer a glimpse of how Watertown and the surrounding communities may continue to change, one storefront, construction project, and new business at a time.
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