By By SHERRY DIGMON
Advance Staff Writer
The Dipanand Corporation has announced plans to build a 73-room Ramada Inn at the I-65 Atmore exit.
The corporation, owned by the Patel family, also owns the Days Inn on South Main Street.
The new Ramada, which will employ 25 to 30 people, will be similar to the corporation's recently constructed Ramada in Moss Point, Miss.
The Ramada franchise has certain requirements which must be met. The new facility must have a restaurant. Patel said the family has not decided on a restaurant but is considering McGregor's Market which serves sandwiches, pizza, ribs.
The franchise also requires business access for corporate travelers, access to the Internet and fax machines. In addition, a large meeting room will be available.
The motel will also house a fitness room.
Since Ramada and Days Inn will be owned by the same parent company, it appears the two will compete with each other.
The family has owned the property at the interstate for about three years, but didn't want to start construction here until the Moss Point project was complete. The land is located behind the BP Station and next to Jefferson Davis Community College.
The corporation is also building a new motel in Brewton, but is undecided as to the franchise at this time.
Unrelated to the motel business, the family has contracted with Checkers Inc. to build three Checkers restaurants within the next 18 months. Patel said one will definitely be built in Brewton. The family is undecided on the other two locations.