Rutherfordton Domino’s to Rebuild, Not Close, Amid Corridor Upgrades

The Town of Rutherfordton is pushing back on details surrounding Domino’s temporary closing, confirming the restaurant is preparing for a full redevelopment.

In a statement released Monday, town officials said, "There has been some misinformation circulating, so we want to set the record straight: Domino’s is not closing, and this is not an NCDOT buyout."

The North Carolina Department of Transportation, however, has acquired portions or all of some properties in the area tied to a larger expansion of the road, combined with the 221 bypass project, public records show.

The existing building will be removed as part of a planned project coordinated between the town and the property owners. Plans call for a new, modern Domino’s restaurant at the same location, featuring an updated design and a pickup window for added convenience.

Town leaders said they worked alongside the Historic Preservation Commission to ensure the new structure reflects the Domino’s brand while still fitting the character of downtown Rutherfordton.

The redevelopment is tied to a broader set of improvements funded through a federal RAISE grant, which aims to upgrade the Charlotte Road corridor. The project includes roadway improvements, stormwater upgrades, landscaping, traffic enhancements and a 10-foot multi-use path connecting Maple Street to regional destinations such as the Purple Martin Greenway and the Thermal Belt Rail Trail.

Town officials emphasized that infrastructure investments tied to the grant are designed to boost economic development by improving safety, connectivity and the overall appearance of key corridors, making them more attractive for private investment.

The grant was first announced in 2022. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, officials said at a recent town council meeting.

Town officials also addressed confusion about a separate transportation project, noting a planned roundabout will be constructed at the intersection of College Avenue, Railroad Avenue, and Charlotte Road — not at the Domino’s site.

The town said it expects the redevelopment to serve as a catalyst for continued investment along the Charlotte Road corridor as Rutherfordton works to revitalize one of its primary gateways for the economy in Rutherford County.