(La Porte, IN) - The line was huge for the opening of Popeyes in La Porte yesterday.  The restaurant chain is where the east side fire station used to be at Indiana 2 and Boyd Boulevard in front of Walmart.

There was a line of vehicles in the drive thru circling the building late in the afternoon.  The fire station, built in the 1960’s, was moved to a new facility just to the west on Daytona Street.

Mayor Tom Dermody said the opening of Popeyes provides local residents with another

dining choice.  He said another upcoming restaurant expected to start going up this year is Doc’s Smokehouse, a regional brew pub chain with plans to build on a vacant lot on Pine Lake Ave.  A family restaurant is also envisioned at the former Don George Ford site across from Dunkin' Donuts on Pine Lake Ave. 

“We’re excited to have different options for all in the community,” he said.