The owner of the Winchester Steak N’ Shake location says the restaurant could be open as early as April.

Franchisee Ryan Dotson said he anticipates an April 2 grand opening for the restaurant, which is located on Lexington Avenue next to O’Reilly Auto Parts and across from Ron Hatfield Chrysler Dodge Jeep’s used car lot.

Ground was broken on the project in October, Dotson said.

While Dotson told the Sun in August he hoped to begin construction in September, the project saw some minor delays pushing the start date into October.

Dotson said weather also delayed the hopeful opening dates, pushing it from February or March to April. He said since winter weather is still not out of sight, delays could still occur.

“We are hopeful that won’t be case,” he said. “We look forward to opening April 2.”

Dotson said management is currently interviewing potential employees and applications are still be accepted. Applications are available at steaknshakecareers.com.

Dotson hopes to hire about 100 employees prior to the opening.

At first, the restaurant will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, although Dotson hopes to add breakfast and late-night hours once the staff is trained.

This is the second in a three-store deal Dotson signed as a Steak N’ Shake franchisee.

He built and opened the Mt. Sterling location last year and anticipates a third location in either Morehead or Nicholasville. Construction on that project is expected to begin later this year.

Dotson said the Winchester location will feature a brand new prototype design. It will seat about 84 diners.

“It doesn’t look like any Steak N’ Shake in the region, not even the one in Mt. Sterling,” he said. “It’s going to be an eye-catcher. It will have a nice throw-back feel.”