The city of Benton is making way for new developments.

"We have Whataburger coming down a the Alcoa exit. We have [The Mighty Crab] coming out," Mayor Tom Farmer with the city of Benton said. "We just opened Rock N' Roll Sushi downtown. "

Farmer said one of their most recent developments in the city has been Olive Garden, situated off of I-30.

Farmer said the restaurant was three years in the making and that the food establishment has not only drawn people in, it's also created economic opportunity for residents.

"The people who work in Olive Garden all come from this community," Farmer said. "They have 200 employees plus a manager and assistant manager that live in this community ."

Farmer said other industries have spotted growing potential of Benton and have made strides to eventually break ground in the city.

"We have some hotel chains that are looking," Farmer said. "One of them is under contract another one is trying to buy property here."

Farmer said the city is also working on expanding recreational opportunities for residents of Benton.

"We just bought 35 acres to build a soccer complex," Farmer said. "[It will be] over at exit 114 right by the new fire station we just opened up."

Chelsea Matthews, city planner for Benton, said she grew up in Benton and that she's excited to see it grow.

"The proudest moment that I have seen is local people that we all grew up with, investing in community, building great things for the residents," Matthews said.