A Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant is projected to open in Kent in early 2010. The eatery will take the place of the former Susan’s Coffee and Tea.

However, Mary Nowinski, brand manager for Five Guys Enterprises, LLC, said this is only an estimated date.

Nowinski said the franchisee, Wholesome Development, LLC, is working on securing the location on East Main Street.

“If everything goes according to plan, the new location should open in early 2010,” she said.

Five Guys was founded in northern Virginia by Janie and Jerry Murrell and their four sons in 1986. Murrell and his sons were the original Five Guys. Today the restaurant, now a franchise, has locations around the country, including one near Akron and several locations in the Cleveland area. Five Guys serves hamburgers, hot dogs and French fries.

After 18 years of business, Susan’s closed last spring. Owner Linda Smithers sold the property to Wholesome Development, which planned to open a Five Guys in the building.

The establishment has yet to submit any plans to the Kent Building Department.

Contact public affairs reporter Anna Duszkiewicz at [email protected].