Representatives with Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen applied for a front setback variance on a piece of property along Ga. 400 in Dawson County on Feb. 8.

According to Dawson County Planning Director David McKee, the restaurant would sit on less than 1-acre just south of Kauffman Tire near Beartooth Parkway's intersection with the highway.

"A notice has been posted on the site for the public," said McKee, who added the decision to grant the administrative variance would fall under his duties as planning director.

"This type of variance request is fairly typical for smaller sites."

The stretch along Ga. 400 has become increasingly popular in the last several weeks with a number of national restaurants and retail shops announcing land purchases and building plans.

Among the confirmed new businesses are a Dunkin' Donuts almost directly across Ga. 400 from the Popeyes' site, a Dollar General on Hwy. 53 north of Tractor Supply and O'Reilly Auto Parts just north of Hwy. 53 on Ga. 400.

McKee said his office has seen building permits and business license applications surge by about 40 percent from a year ago.

Additionally, Charlie Auvermann, executive director of the Development Authority of Dawson County, has confirmed talks with several other potential developments.

"Interest has most definitely picked up in the last couple of months," Auvermann said. "There have been a number of properties that are being looked at because the economy is improving."