Perkins Returns to Region with Apalachin Restaurant

A Perkins Restaurant and Bakery has opened its doors near a Southern Tier Expressway exit in Tioga County.

Perkins fans have been waiting for decades for the well-known brand to return to the Binghamton area.

Beth Ann Smith, president of Rajumaanar Enterprises, on Monday morning said she was pleased the Apalachin restaurant has officially started operations.

The business welcomed some special guests, including Perkins corporate representatives, on Sunday.

The restaurant is the first Perkins site to utilize a new design, which will be used at future locations in the United States and Canada.

More than 100 people have been hired to staff the Tioga County business, which will be open around-the-clock seven days a week.

The new restaurant was built next door to a Comfort Inn, which opened nearly four years ago.

When she announced plans for the restaurant last July, Smith had hoped the restaurant could open by early this year. But weather and other issues delayed the start of construction.

Smith said her company eventually may consider opening other Perkins restaurants in the region.

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.