The names of several national and regional chain restaurants are popping up in casual conversations across Jones County, especially over the past few days. There is a sense of excitement as people say they've heard Laurel is getting this restaurant or that store. But, there are only two restaurants that are sure bets here: The Reserve in downtown Laurel and the new Sweet Pepper's Deli which was reported by the Laurel Leader-Call Jan. 24.

Bop's Frozen Custard and Penn's Seafood Restaurant are both real possibilities in Laurel, according to franchise and restaurant officials. But, even though these companies have shown a real interest in Laurel, the dotted line at the bottom of contracts are still blank. As far as the possibility of a Buffalo Wild Wings here, the Leader-Call can't confirm or deny the company's intentions at this time. The regional manager for the national chain, which is based in Connecticut, was not available for comment Tuesday.

Al Thomas, the franchise developer for Bop's Frozen Custard, told the Leader-Call Tuesday that he has received much interest in Laurel from potential investors.

"I've had a lot of interest in that area," he said. "I don't have any signed contracts that they're going to do it."

Thomas continued by saying that doesn't mean a Bop's won't open in Jones County, but it simply means there are no contracts yet.

Bop's Frozen Custard is a Jackson-based business that currently has nine locations in the Metro Jackson area, Starkville and Hattiesburg. They also have plans to open stores in Magee, D'Iberville, and Madison, along with Mandeville, La.

That's pretty much the same information for Penn's Seafood, too.

"We've been looking there," Roger Penn told the Leader-Call. "We haven't decided on it yet. We are looking down there. We hope to do something."

Penn said a franchise owner from another area has already made trips to Laurel to study the market and potential locations.

Penn's Seafood Restaurant is another Jackson area business. They currently have Penn's in Magee, Raymond, Forest, Petal, Brandon, Canton, and other Jackson area locations.

As reported previously by the Leader-Call, the Sweet Peppers Deli is being developed by Ken and Brittany West. The couple plans to open Sweet Peppers Deli locations in Laurel and Mobile. The Laurel restaurant is expected to be open by mid-April.