LANCASTER, Ohio — Lancaster’s North Memorial Drive is heating up as several new restaurants plan to join the growing lineup of dining options in town. Among the newcomers are Bojangles, Culver’s, and Dutch Bros Coffee, each bringing their signature flavors and fan favorites to the community.
Bojangles Bringing Southern Favorites to Lancaster
Bojangles, founded in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1977, is known for its bold Southern flavors, including flavorful fried chicken, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, and classic sides like dirty rice, coleslaw, and mac & cheese. Ohio franchisee Jeff Rigsby began expanding the chain in the state in 2023, with locations in Canton and Hilliard.
Plans submitted to the Lancaster zoning board propose a new Bojangles at 1736 N. Memorial Drive, the former site of the In The Ball Park card shop, located between Sheetz and Burger King. The location would include a drive-thru and patio seating, with access from the Pierce Avenue traffic light. While the project has not received final approval, officials expect the process to move forward in the coming weeks.
Culver’s to Serve ButterBurgers and Fresh Custard
Culver’s, the Wisconsin-based family-owned chain, is also planning a new location on Memorial Drive, between Fairfield Medical Center’s River Valley Campus and the former Golden Corral. Known for its ButterBurgers, cheese curds, fresh frozen custard, and welcoming service, the restaurant emphasizes “Hometown Hospitality and Handcrafted Freshness.”
Early plans show the building will be approximately 4,875 square feet, with 65 parking spaces, a drive-thru, and a patio for outdoor dining. With over 900 locations nationwide and 25 in Ohio, Culver’s continues to expand its presence in Central Ohio, offering meals made with fresh, never-frozen ingredients.
Dutch Bros Coffee Adds Caffeine to the Mix
Coffee lovers will also soon have a new destination as Dutch Bros Coffee prepares a location at 802 N. Memorial Drive, the former Memorial Car Wash site across from The Pit Stop Liquor Store. Founded in 1992 in Oregon, Dutch Bros has become known for its energetic drive-thru service, creative drinks, and community engagement.
The menu includes classic coffees, blended freezes, Rebel energy drinks, smoothies, teas, and seasonal beverages. While construction has not yet begun, the first Dutch Bros in Lancaster could potentially open in late spring 2026.
A Growing Dining Corridor
With these additions joining other recent announcements—like Rural King, Chick-fil-A, and a new Mexican restaurant—Memorial Drive is becoming a bustling corridor for dining and shopping. Residents can soon enjoy a mix of Southern flavors, fresh frozen custard, and specialty coffee, all within a short drive of each other.
