Bonney Lake, like the rest of cities and towns in the U.S. was hit by hard economic times.
But construction of a few businesses may be a sign that the recession may be easing.
Construction is under way on a new Sonic Drive-In near the intersection of state Route 410 and South Prairie Road next to Lowe’s. The national-chain restaurant known for its hamburgers and milkshakes is scheduled to open Oct. 12, according to Area Manager Jacob Nelson.
Signs are posted seeking applications for management and other employees. Sonic recently opened a store on Meridan Avenue in Puyallup.
Planning and Community Development Director John Vodopich said Discount Tire is interested in building a store on South Prairie Road near the Sonic Drive-In.
In July, Goodwill Industries of Tacoma officials announced a new store opening in Bonney Lake in late fall. Goodwill signed a 10-year lease with the property’s owner, Rosen-Harbottle Commerical Real Estate of Bellevue. The store will be in the same location as the former Rainier Thrift and Gift.
The store will be 15,850 square feet in size.
As for Rainier Thrift, it is in the process of finding a new location since moving out of the Bonney Lake Plaza.
Bonney Lake Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lora Butterfield said a new medical office is coming to the area.
Butterfield said Auburn Regional Medical Center office is under construction. It will be located between Cold Stone Creamy and Amercian Insurance.
She also noted a new restaurant is coming to the former Old Panda Buffett location.
The good news for local residents is that the new businesses will be looking for employees.
Pierce County has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state. The county’s unemployment rate was 5.2 percent in January 2008. Since then, the rate has been as high as 10.2 percent in February to July’s 9.1 percent.
Goodwill said they it hire at least 35 people as cashiers, managers, production and donation attendants.
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