Ansley said the spot was a prime one, not only because it is near a major intersection in the city, but also because it’s a place accessible to both students and permanent residents in and around East Lansing.

“There’s always a lot of students walking around that area. (And) we hope it’s friendly to the local folks as well,” he said. “We’re trying to bridge the gap between both populations.”

Offering a variety of burgers, salads, sandwiches and Michigan craft beers, Ansley said he hopes the new addition to the Bagger Dave’s chain will be as successful as it has been in other Michigan cities, such as Grand Rapids, Novi, Brighton, Berkley and Ann Arbor.

Employee training sessions will be held in the restaurant throughout the week, and employees will host a VIP party Friday and a small opening Saturday before officially opening its doors to the public.

The new location was formerly occupied by Country Market, a now-defunct grocery store.

The city initially was informed the intent to put a Bagger Dave’s location in East Lansing in February, East Lansing’s Community Development Specialist Heather Pope said in an email.

Pope said having a new eatery in the area would benefit the city and its occupants and expects the business will take hold.

“Bagger Dave’s will add to the variety of dining establishments available in East Lansing,” Pope said. “It will be (a) positive addition.”

The location will appeal to students who live in the area, zoology and statistics senior Brittney Grzesiak said.

Although she is a vegetarian who wouldn’t partake in the burgers the restaurant is known for, Grzesiak said she still would consider going there to enjoy the experience.

“I can see myself going down there,” she said. “If there’s beer, I’d go with friends.”