Perkins and Dixon offer land deal for new family restaurant

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery and the City of Dixon are pitching a limited-time land and incentive package to attract an entrepreneur for a new family-dining location in Lee County, Illinois. The deal pairs reduced site taxes and utility-ready land from Dixon with a lower royalty fee from Perkins as the brand pushes further franchise growth.

Why it matters: - The deal is designed to lower startup costs for a new Perkins Restaurant & Bakery franchise in Dixon. - A new restaurant would add a sit-down dining option near Dixon’s tollway area, which city leaders say residents and visitors want. - The offer is part of Perkins’ broader push to expand its franchise footprint in 2026.

What happened: - The City of Dixon and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery announced a limited-time opportunity for entrepreneurs to build and open a new family-dining restaurant in Lee County. - Dixon is offering an incentives package that includes reduced taxes on the site and other incentives tied to future development. - Perkins is offering a reduced royalty fee for the franchisee. - Mayor Glen Huges said Dixon needs a good sit-down restaurant in the tollway area and called Perkins a strong fit for the community. - Peter Ortiz, chief development officer for Ascent Hospitality Management, said Dixon is well suited for a family-friendly Perkins location.

The details: - The new owner would receive reduced taxes on ready-to-build land. - The franchisee would take on buildup and other operating-related costs. - The site is planned to include electric, water and sewer hookups. - Perkins says its brand offers flexible designs to fit different franchisee needs. - Perkins says it has been building its reputation since 1958 with friendly service and classic comfort food. - The company says it has updated its menu, design and guest experience in recent years. - Perkins says it ended FY25 with record franchise signings and active development in new and existing markets. - Perkins says it expects to open new locations in FY26. - Perkins says it has nearly 300 company-owned and franchise locations across the U.S. and Canada. - The Perkins Franchise Development team provides support from site planning through opening day and beyond. - Franchise partners also receive help with operations, marketing and other resources. - Interested parties can contact Richard Jordan at RJordan@ascenthm.com for details and qualifications. - More information is available through Perkins franchising opportunities.

Between the lines: - Dixon is using incentives to compete for a private operator that can fill a local dining gap without the city building and running the restaurant itself. - Perkins is using the land deal to widen its pool of potential franchisees by softening the economics of entry. - The announcement blends local economic development goals with brand expansion, which is common in franchise recruitment.

What's next: - Interested entrepreneurs can review the site, qualify for the offer and pursue franchise discussions with Perkins. - If a deal closes, the next steps would include site development, buildout and restaurant opening. - Perkins’ broader expansion plan suggests more franchise signings and openings could follow in FY26.

The bottom line: - Dixon wants a new restaurant. Perkins wants new franchise growth. The land deal is built to make both happen.