Two multi-level parking ramps where erected in front of the mall, as well as a strip of several additional free-standing restaurants and stores.

Walgreen, which has 1,400 drugstores in 29 states and Puerto Rico, said last month that it wanted to sell the Wag's free-standing restaurants.

The company hopes to build up to 750,000 square feet of commercial space including two hotels, offices and research and design space and at least one free-standing restaurant.

Mr. Tsunis said the company was planning to build a $20 million project that will include a hotel with 140 to 170 rooms and two or three free-standing restaurants.

Three free-standing restaurants are also planned.

A free-standing fine-dining restaurant is also planned, as well as the spa and fitness center, which will be in a two-story waterfront building.

To be eligible, competitors must be lead chefs (with job titles such as executive chef, chef de cuisine, chef/owner) for a free-standing restaurant in Georgia.

Except for the free-standing restaurants, most are vegetarian, reflecting the tastes of this predominantly Hindu community.

That is 13 cents more than the average wage for waiters at 18 free-standing restaurants that Mr. LeRoy said he recently surveyed.

The Marriott hotel chain was planning free-standing restaurants called the Hot Shoppes.