The developers of a hotel now being constructed on the Vestal Parkway have been working to attract a restaurant to cater to people who will be staying there.

A spokeswoman for the hotel chain Tru by Hilton has said the opening is expected around the middle of the year, although a target date has not been publicly announced.

Construction work for the $6.5 million project on the parkway east of South Meadowbrook Lane began last spring.

Visions Hotels of Corning plans to operate the three-story 87-room hotel. Visions Hotels representatives have not responded to requests for information about the project.

This Vestal site has been idle since a Friendly's restaurant closed in July 2013. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
This Vestal site has been idle since a Friendly's restaurant closed in July 2013. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Property records show the company has spent more than $2.5 million to acquire several adjoining parcels along the Vestal Parkway East. The former Friendly's and Pizza Hut restaurant sites were among the properties purchased.

Vestal town supervisor John Schaffer said he's been in touch with entities that have expressed an interest in operating a restaurant next to the hotel.

Schaffer said one of the challenges is a right-of-way issue to the south of the properties. He confirmed that the hotel operating company is hoping to line up a restaurant for the site.

Schaffer said he'd like to see a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant open at the location. Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, he said "that would be a nice spot" for the chain.

An abandoned Pizza Hut restaurant on the Vestal Parkway East. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
An abandoned Pizza Hut restaurant on the Vestal Parkway East. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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