On Monday, the new Bellacino’s Pizza and Grinders opened for business in South Point on Commerce Drive.

While it is always nice to get a new option for eating in the area, it’s also worth pointing out that the new restaurant will provide employment for many people.

Owner Richard Mikel said they have already hired a staff of about 25 people for the location, the third he has opened in the Tri-State over the past decade, following Barboursville and Russell franchises.

The restaurant is the first of what is expected to be five tenants in the new strip mall, which has been overseen by the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation.

We commend Mikel on the launch of his third Bellacino’s and hope he has a long relationship with the village of South Point.

Along with the completion of the new roundabout, it marks more growth for the area, along with what is already taking place at The Point industrial park.

And we hope that the strip mall will quickly fill up and bring not just more businesses, but more employment for the county.