TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Matt Bilyeu, a Wabash Valley native and future business owner, says during his childhood the area along State Road 46 looked much different than what it is does now.
“I was born down in Riley, lived there
most of my life. So coming up the road, I remember when this was just
farm fields and nothing else,” said Matt Bilyeu, owner of Terre Haute
Culver’s.
The east side of Terre Haute is now the home of many businesses including Bilyeu’s new Culver’s.
Wednesday, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the restaurant known for freshly made ButterBurgers and frozen custard.
Bilyeu says the restaurant’s family environment matched Terre Haute’s community.
“I felt like the brand and the culture matched my vision for what the city of Terre Haute is all about,” Bilyeu said.
Like Culver’s, several other businesses are coming to Terre Haute’s east side.
According to Mayor Duke Bennett, this area is critical for growth.
“This
46 corridor out here is clearly our growth area. It’s where we have the
most space available for people to build a business out here,” Mayor
Bennett said.
Bennett says there has been great interest from businesses about continuing the growth of the 46 corridor.
Bennett also says a major project could be on its way to that area.
“The casino potentially could be out here on this east side too in the future,” Bennett said.
With businesses continuing to enter this side of Terre Haute, Bennett says it is encouraging to see the economic growth.
“Things are on the upswing versus the down swing and this is another example of that,” Bennett said.
According to Bilyeu, Culver’s is expected to hire around 90 people when the restaurant opens.
It is expected to open in late-November.
