PENSACOLA, Fla. — A Pensacola restaurant’s plans to expand into Santa Rosa County are facing backlash from one of the surrounding neighborhoods where they want to build.

Grover’s Fingers and Wings on Davis Highway plans to build at least two new locations in Santa Rosa County.

The newest location on Caroline Street in Milton will be open shortly after the new year. The other is near Five Points in Pace, where neighbors have posted signs of disapproval.

Grover owner Michael Graham says an overwhelming number of customers is driving demand for expansion.

“I took on a very loyal client who happens to be a custom home builder,” Graham said. “And he and I came to an arrangement to expand the Grover concept.”

“I think when we open the (Pace) restaurant, the whole county is going to try to come here,” he added.

In November, Grovers Inc. purchased property on Chumuckla Highway in Pace.

The ground is not broken – and now the signs point to potential roadblocks involving the neighboring community.

Neighbors told WEAR News Monday they don’t want a business generating more traffic and noise next to their homes. They think Grover’s might find other suitable locations.

Graham says he still needs approval from the county zoning department at an upcoming meeting. He believes that residents are not considering the alternative.

“Everyone says we need property that’s already zoned,” Graham said. “It’s a very smart idea. It is. But I don’t want to pay $3 million for a property on Highway 90 when I can spend a few grand. That means your BLT won’t cost $16 dollars — it will be $4.

“Everyone who lives in that area of ​​Five Points was rezoned into residential areas and then built 8,000 homes — and those are the people who don’t want change,” Graham added. “The guy who left Ohio three months ago and he doesn’t want a change.”

“If I live 10 minutes north of Five Points – and with all the money, power and people I know – all I can eat is Whataburger? Really?” he added. “Is that all the community wants? It’s a 4/5 star restaurant. We are winners of a prestigious award every year.”

The county provided WEAR News with a map showing a zoning request for commercial highway development by developers. This requires two public hearings.

As Grover’s moves on, Graham says he looks forward to hearing opposing opinions at the next hearing.

“I think they should see,” he said. “Then again, if they don’t speak up soon enough, they can’t go back, you know?”

The first meeting of the zoning commission will be held on January 9 at 6 p.m.