Those traveling along 16th Avenue, the City of Laurel’s main thoroughfare, may have noticed a few new neighbors coming to the area. Among new businesses opening their doors are Papa John’s, Tuesday Morning, Bop’s Frozen Custard and $3 Car Wash.

Sandy Holifield, who handles commercial development for the Jones County Economic Development Authority, said Wednesday that officials are “real excited” about the openings.

“With the economy the way it is, it’s real encouraging to see things popping up the way they are,” she said. “I’ve talked to several other developers in our profession, and they aren’t seeing quite as many as we are right now.”

In addition to new businesses, Holifield said Piggly Wiggly, located at 321 N. 16th Ave., is about ready to open up following remodeling due to a fire.

Holifield said what makes the new businesses even more special is that those opening up shop are from the Laurel area.

Laurel natives William and Erin Walker are starting the Bop’s franchise here, which is expected to open around the first of the year.

“Bop’s is a Mississippi-based franchise, based out of Jackson, that sells frozen custard which is old-fashioned ice cream,” Erin Walker said. “There’s one in Hattiesburg, one in D’Iberville and a number in the Jackson area, but this is something new to Laurel.”

Walker said that what impressed her the most was that Bop’s is a Christian organization.

“That really appealed to me,” she said. “They have a simple menu and a great product. We should be open by the first of the year, depending on how the holidays affecting us getting equipment here.”

Bop’s Frozen Custard, which is moving into the former Murphy’s Bistro location, will employ about 10 part-time workers, Walker said.

Atlanta resident Richard Walley, who was born and raised in Laurel, is backing another construction project in the City Beautiful.

Walley is constructing new retail space at the corner of West 1st Street and 16th Avenue, near the former Lenny’s Sub Shop, which is also getting a remodel. Calls to Carlisle Corporation, which owns the property, were not immediately returned.

Jeff Waggoner of Lester Chandler Contractor said the retail space will include four 20x80 lots and two 20x60 lots. Crews were busy Wednesday adding a new facade to the front of the building.

By phone, Walley said the former facility was actually torn down and a new building is going up.

“It’s more than a remodel,” he said. “This is going to be a shopping center that Laurel will be proud of. It will be all first class. We’re redoing the parking lot and putting in all new glass, electrical and plumbing. It’s really going to be a sharp-looking shopping center.”