Flatbread 'Psyched' to Open After Thanksgiving

Flatbread Company now has a firmer construction timeline set for the chain's new Hampton restaurant on High Street, and officials are excited that the long-awaited project will soon come to completion.

Co-owner John Meehan said "it's looking like seven or eight weeks from now," which at the earliest would put the 61 High St. grand opening at some point during the week immediately following Thanksgiving.

Meehan had previously estimated a September opening date. He said that was pushed back, though, because they company discovered ways to make significant changes in the location of equipment as well as changes in space utilization to "open up" the small building — which used to be Me and Ollie's — in order to better serve its customers and employees.

If anything, Meehan said the delay has helped fuel more anticipation for the new pizzeria, as he said he's actually started carrying short, printed pamphlets about the project while surfing in Hampton because of the frequency locals have asked about the opening.

"It’s amazing," said Meehan. "People are so excited. Maybe it's because I'm living in the community every day, but we’re more excited as time wears on because people are very excited about it. We’re psyched. I'm very happy we chose to open here in Hampton."

Flatbread officials will meet with the general contractor on Monday to officially set the specifics of the remaining construction timeline, according to Meehan.

The special oven has already been built and the demolition work has already been completed. Meehan said "it's a pretty simple project" from here on out, although he said it has been challenging at times because the "space is so small" and forces the plans "to be so well thought out."

The building, located across the street from Flatbread's main headquarters, is roughly half the size of most Flatbread restaurants — something Meehan said "definitely caused" the opening delay.

"The issue is that we have to have everything perfect to move forward," said Meehan. "We want our plans to reflect exactly what we’re doing. The town of Hampton does a great job, [and] we have to met them on the same level with our plans. We’re trying to have them perfect."

Flatbread will also start its hiring process next week, according to Flatbread Company Hampton's Facebook page, and anyone interested in applying should send a private message through the company's Facebook page.

Applicants should send their name, e-mail address and phone number through the Facebook message, as well as fill out the company's online application and e-mail it to seant@flatbreadcompany.com.