NATCHEZ — A new Natchez Applebee’s restaurant slated to open in July may bring 120 jobs to the area.

Construction began last week on the restaurant, located next to the Natchez Mall. The restaurant is expected to open on or around July 4.

Quality Restaurant Concepts, a franchisee of Applebee’s, owns the restaurant.

The company’s Mississippi director of operations Eddie Cook said the restaurant expects to hire approximately 120 employees for mostly part-time positions.

The restaurant is currently searching for three managers.

Those interested in the positions should apply online at pleaseapplyonline.com/qrc and attend a manager casting call scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 22 at the Hampton Inn on Canal Street. Anyone attending should be prepared for an interview.

The restaurant will be approximately 5,000 square feet and will include a dining area, full bar and offer carryout service.

Cook said Natchez has been on the company’s radar for quite some time.

“We have to look at population, competition and those types of things,” he said. “We can’t just go into a tiny town like McDonald’s (can). Natchez fits all (of our) criteria, and with Vidalia across the river and Adams County as a whole, we think it’s going to be a good market for us.”

The Natchez Applebee’s will be Quality Restaurant Concepts’ 60th restaurant opening and 18th in Mississippi.

“We think we’re going to add something to the city as far as dining out that is not currently available, and also add 120 or so jobs to the community and community,” Cook said. “We feel like we’re a good fit for Natchez, and Natchez is a good fit for us.”

Mayor Butch Brown said he certainly believes Applebee’s is a good fit for Natchez and appreciates the company choosing the city, as well as those who worked to bring it here, such as local real estate broker Dianne P. Brown.

“I believe Applebee’s will find Natchez is a good town to do business in,” Mayor Brown said. “Our restaurants are always busy … It’s a win-win, and we’re happy to have another nationally known restaurant here.”