With spring semester just around the corner and students returning back to school, the year of 2017 is full of new beginnings! It's only fitting to highlight a few of those exciting beginnings in Good ole 'Lene!

1. Raising Canes

Where: Off of I-20 on Hwy 351 - Across from Cracker Barrel near Walmart

When: No confirmed date yet - Assumed by Summer

Most Texans instantly know the name 'Raising Canes.' You know.. That restaurant with the southern style chicken and killer sauce? Well, we no longer have to drive to Lubbock or Dallas to get your Canes, but just wait until we get one of our in a matter of months!

They are currently hiring different positions, so if you are looking applying here is a link! : http://www.caniaccareers.com/featured_careers.cfm

2. Tea2Go

Where: 1158 E North 10th St - Next to Papa Murphy's near United Supermarkets

When: No confirmed date yet - Assumed by Summer

While Abilene does have this popular tea shop on the south side of town, the North side neglected to add one until just recently. While most articles online fail to mention this new addition, the franchise is clearly renovating the old Laundromat on E North 10th ( seen below ).

Feel free to drive by yourself to see the work in process! While there is not a set opening date yet, the quick progress can imply a grand opening pretty soon!

3. Chipotle

Where: 3800 S Clack St - Next to Arby's and iHop near Target

When: Confirmed by First Quarter of the Year

Chipotle, another Texas favorite, has won over the hearts of many, and pretty soon Abilene will have its chance at this popular Mexican Grill chain. Ir will take the place of the old CitiBank building by Arby's on the Southside of town (seen below).

Chipotle has confirmed that we can expect an opening by the end of March! They are also already hiring, so check out their job application page here if you're interested! : https://jobs.chipotle.com/job/abilene/new-restaurant-opening-soon-hiring-all-positions/282/3608557

4. Cinemark Movie Theater

Where: Off of I-20 and E. Overland Trail - by Northside Buffalo Wild Wings

When: No exact date but definitely confirmed by Spring 2017

Perhaps one of the most exciting developments in Abilene is construction of a state-of-the-art cinema on the North side of town down the road from BWW's. This theater will be modeled after a theater in La Quinta, California ( pictured above ).

Hold on to your shoes, ladies and gents, because this theater comes equipped with 12 screens, reclining lounge chairs with foot-rests, a cafeteria-like concession area, and the ability to reserve seats. Yeah, its intense. And cinemark has guaranteed it to be opened in the Spring of 2017.

There you have it, folks, a few things coming to Abilene that are definitely worth looking out for! So stay tuned in the media for updated opening dates as well as more info on upcoming projects! Have a great year!