Chipotle Mexican Grille, a nationally recognized restaurant group, is now open in Cullman. The restaurant is located in the former Bojangles building on Cherokee Avenue in southwest Cullman.

Earlier this month, the City of Cullman Planning Commission approved a site plan for a Chicken Salad Chick restaurant to be located next to Chipotle. The Auburn-based chain has more than 110 franchise locations in 12 states.

In about a two-year span, Cullman has welcomed about two dozen restaurants to the dining community, with many of those national brand names, mixed with a few local start-ups. Newk’s Eatery, which was named “America’s Favorite Fast-Casual Chains“ by Restaurant Business Magazine, opened at its location, 410 2nd Avenue Northwest on Nov. 4.