Popeyes likely will start serving its spicy, Louisiana-style fried chicken in Cortez this fall.

Anthony Josephson, owner of the new Popeyes Louisiana Chicken drive-thru restaurant, said the exact opening date is contingent on how long it takes to source equipment and contractors.

His company, JS Foods, aims to open the restaurant in the fall, if not before the end of the year, he said.

JS Foods operates several Burger King restaurants in the region, including the Cortez location. It recently entered into an agreement with Popeyes to open Colorado locations, he said.

The restaurant will recruit 40 local employees for positions ranging from crew to management, he said.

Popeyes will be built on a vacant lot at 330 South Broadway and share customer access with the Family Dollar store at 324 South Broadway.

Planned hours for the restaurant are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The closest locations are in Clifton and Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Cortez City Council approved the application for the 3,341-square-foot restaurant, submitted by Kansas-based firm Plaza Street Partners, on March 22 after the city planning department’s recommendation.

Josephson was unsure when construction would commence, as the building is still in the design and permit process.