IN THIS ISSUE BUSINESS NEWS A2 | SOCIETY A9 | OBITUARIES A13 | COMICS A16 SPORTS B1 | POLITICS B9 | PUBLIC NOTICES B12 | PUZZLES B15
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2022 — APA DIVISION D GENERAL EXCELLENCE DESIGNATION — 2023 COVERING LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Vol. 16, No. 11 Opelika, Alabama Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 Your local publication created 'for local people, by local people.'
www.opelikaobserver.com
Opelika City Schools hires new head football coach PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY THE MOORES Incoming Opelika Head Coach Bryan Moore is pictured above with wife Lindsey and three sons, Parker (13), Baker (10) and Tucker (7).
Opelika Texas Roadhouse will create 250 new jobs CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA – Texas Roadhouse is bringing its legendary hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs and made-from-scratch side dishes to Opelika and currently hiring for all full and part-time positions. Construction began earlier this year, and the 8,020-square-foot restaurant, located at 1611 Capps Drive, is scheduled to open in early February for dining and To-Go orders. Texas Roadhouse will be a full-service, casual dining concept known for its comfortable, lively atmosphere. The menu will feature an assortment of steaks, ribs, chicken, salads, hamburgers
and vegetables. Most selections include two side items and unlimited fresh-baked bread and peanuts. Opelika’s new Texas Roadhouse will employ a staff of 250. Those interested in employment can apply directly to Opelika opportunities at www. apply.texasroadhouse. com. Interviews will be conducted in a hiring trailer in the parking lot Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Once open, the restaurant will serve dinner-only Monday through Thursday from 3 to 9:30 p.m. and Friday 3 to 11 p.m. It will be open for lunch and dinner Saturday from 11 a.m. to
OPELIKA — Opelika City Schools (OCS) Superintendent Dr. Farrell Seymore named Bryan Moore as Opelika High's next head football coach. “OCS welcomes Coach Bryan Moore as our new head football coach,” stated Seymore in a press release issued by OCS Tuesday morning. “He was an outstanding teacher and coach during his previous tenure in Opelika and he has only grown in his capacity as a strong effective leader. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on the students in our community.” Moore comes to Opelika
from Hartselle, where he went 38-9 in four years as head coach, including two Region titles and a 4-4 playoff record. Moore started his career as an assistant at his alma matter, Springwood, in 2006. The following year, he was hired by OHS head coach Spence McCracken as assistant coach. He was promoted to offensive coordinator after two seasons under head coach Brian Blackmon. “We are incredibly excited to welcome Coach Moore and his family back to Opelika,” said Kelli Fischer, OHS Principal in the press release. “Coach Moore has proven himself as a quality head coach, but what is See COACH, page B8
Retiring Lee Co. superintendent McCoy welcomes successor PHOTO BY ANITA STIEFEL | THE OBSERVER
Opening scheduled for early February 2024
BY D. MARK MITCHELL AND MICHELLE KEY
11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. ABOUT TEXAS ROADHOUSE Based in Louisville, Kentucky, founded by Kent Taylor, Texas Roadhouse opened its doors in 1993 and has more than 600 locations in 49 states and 10 foreign countries. In 2022, Texas Roadhouse was named one of Fortune Magazine’s Most Admired Companies. Texas Roadhouse also ranked third on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Customer Service for Casual Dining Restaurants in 2021. For more information or to apply, visit www. texasroadhouse.com.
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The Lee County Schools Board of Education approved a contract for the new superintendent during its regular meeting on Dec. 12. Pictured above, from left, Board President Ralph Henderson and outgoing Superintendent Dr. Mac McCoy congratulate Dr. Mike Howard, who will take over as superintendent on Jan. 1 after McCoy retires on Dec. 31.
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