A sandy-colored, embossed Coca-Cola sign is mounted in front of a new Wendy’s that opened recently.

It’s one way owner Danny Strickland said he has paid homage to the old Coke bottling building he demolished for his new business. Thousands of customers crowded Fort Valley’s first Wendy’s last week, including a couple who pushed against its location.

“I’m glad they kept the sign, but the building had to go,” said Florence Amica, a customer. “You can’t keep everything.”

In August, City Council voted to allow Strickland, owner of two other Middle Georgia Wendy’s, to demolish an old Coke building. The decision went against the Historic Preservation Commission and a group of residents.

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Tags: historic preservation, The Telegraph, Adam Ragusea, Christina M. Wright