The demolition of Ryan's to make way for a Sheetz has been permitted by the state for the period of September 1 through September 12, according to the Roanoke Rapids Planning and Development Department.

Rightmyer Machine Rentals will be doing the demolition work, city Code Enforcement Supervisor Brian Duhadaway said this afternoon.

A site meeting has been called for by Sheetz Friday, which Duhadaway described as more of a meet and greet meeting. “We've been over most everything.”

Not only will Rightmyer demolish the Ryan's building, the company will strip away the parking lot and shape it up with 4-feet of fill.

The state permitting process coincides with a report Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky gave city council at its May meeting that demolition was expected in July or August with construction being eyed in October or November.

Roanoke Rapids Fire Department Assistant Chief of Logistics Ricky Dickens said firefighters are expected to use the Ryan's building for training this weekend.

Workers today were putting up fencing around the building and removing items from the former restaurant.