Jimmy John’s will be closed this week as the restaurant moves to its new location at 165 E. Main St. next to the Kent Stage.

The new restaurant is set to open Friday. Customers visiting the new location can park for free in the lot behind the Kent Stage.

Jimmy John’s began looking for a new home when it was announced that the city of Kent would be taking ownership of its grounds and rebuilding Kent’s courthouse.

Store owner Chad Maag said he approached the Kent Stage last fall about moving into the Spin-More Records location and signed a five-year lease in March. The lease left the opportunity for Maag to re-sign up to a 20-year lease.

Jimmy John’s was given a moving deadline of June, but Maag said a delay in construction set them back, and the City of Kent extended its deadline to the end of July.

Maag said they have moved out of the old location and are waiting for construction to be completed in the new location.

Metis Construction Services, a general contractor based in Brimfield, is working long hours to finish laying tiles, hang lighting fixtures and install plumbing at the new store, Maag said.

David Wright, vice president of Metis Construction Services, said he is optimistic about completing construction by Friday. As long as the products they have ordered are received on time and a health inspection is performed, he said, they should be on schedule.

Since July 29, about 200 people have approached the restaurant in hopes of eating, instead turning away due to the temporary closure.

Maag said the restaurant has a “tremendous customer base” in Kent.

Maag said the store has plans for a grand opening celebration some time in the fall.

Contact Amanda Crumm at [email protected].