Pizza Hut is set to serve Crenshaw County before Santa comes down the chimney.

The restaurant chain started renovations of the former Max Pizza on S. Forest Avenue in Luverne and plans to open its doors by Dec. 1.

Ron Petrey of Petrey Realty leased Pizza Hut the building and says the restaurant is here to stay.

“They’ve got a long-term lease and they’re putting in a good bit of money to renovate it,” he said. “They’re going to be here a long time.”

The restaurant will not offer delivery or dine-in seating, but will focus on carry-out traffic.

Petrey said the location was ideal for a fast-paced restaurant business.

“If you see the traffic that goes around, it’s just one heck of a busy place,” he said.

Steve Sanders, president of the Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce, agreed. He was excited to see a new business that would bring new jobs to the area.

“Pizza Hut will be great for Luverne,” Sanders said. “The restaurant will not only serve travelers, but be a welcome addition to local folks.”