Huey Magoo's to open central Ohio eatery inside former Del Taco

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A southern chain boasted as the "filet mignon of chicken" is opening another central Ohio restaurant inside a shuttered taco eatery, as part of plans to launch 20 locations across the state.

Huey Magoo's is preparing to open at 23601 U.S. 23 South in Circleville, according to the chain's site. The fast-casual restaurant is taking over the space that was most recently home to the nation's second-largest Mexican chain, Del Taco, which closed in December of last year after less than three years of business.

The new location will mark another Magoo's launched by franchisees Tim and Ronda Hobert, who are also planning a new restaurant in Bellefontaine. The couple opened a Magoo's in Worthington earlier this summer, and operate other locations in Maryville and Dayton with the goal of expanding their rolodex to 20 Ohio eateries.

Company-wide, the chain spans more than 65 restaurants across 12 states. Each location is home to Huey Magoo's signature grilled, hand-breaded or "sauced" premium chicken tenders, fresh-made salads, sandwiches and wraps. 

The chicken chain is one of several fast-casual chicken eateries expanding in central Ohio, like Bojangles, which is moving forward with plans to build a location in Delaware. Dave's Hot Chicken, a national chain boasted as a "hot chicken sensation," opened a third central Ohio location in Westerville in May.

Chick-fil-A is also expanding by bulldozing several Columbus-area restaurants to make room for new locations. The chain is planning to demolish a Buca di Beppo in Worthington after purchasing the site for $2.5 million in April.

Mackenzie River in Westerville closed earlier this year and is scheduled to be demolished to make room for a new Chick-fil-A. In addition, Tee Jaye’s Country Place at 4910 N. High St. closed in 2021 for a new Chick-fil-A, which opened earlier this year. Construction at this site included preserving the site’s 20th-century sign that has received a facelift with Chick-fil-A branding.

Other central Ohio chicken eateries include a chain founded by Hall of Fame basketball star Shaquille O’Neal that is planning to open more than 35 restaurants in Ohio, beginning in Columbus. Slim Chickens is planning to open as many as 25 locations in Ohio, while Hot Chicken Takeover has recently opened several new restaurants.