The wait is almost over.

Nine months after Rickey’s restaurant closed, Rickey’s Off the Tracks will open Jan. 7 on Blaize Avenue at Hancock Street.

Co-owners Rickey Peters and Kevin Jordan are overseeing the finishing touches at the new restaurant which is across from the Depot duck pond.

Hours for the restaurant and bar will be Wednesday-Thursday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. until closing.

The schedule will gradually be expanded, and so will the menu.

“Once we get our addition going, we’ll have some of Rickey’s signature dishes that people ask us about every day,” Jordan said.

Peters said he won’t be frying or grilling until the outside kitchen is up and running. In the meantime the menu will feature new sandwiches like the Meatloaf Burger, French Dip, Cubano, and Cochon De Lait along with Rickey’s homemade meatballs and red gravy. Sandwiches will be served on a warm panini bun. Rickey’s will also serve Gumbo YaYa, Alligator Jambalaya and Crawfish Etouffee with a side of Mardi Gras Slaw or Potato salad, among other items.

Look for daily specials like Rickey’s popular eggplant dishes, brisket, Chicken Florentine and red beans and rice starting a few weeks after the Jan. 7 opening.

In addition to the indoor tables and bar seating, Rickey’s will have picnic tables with umbrellas outside and more seating in the adjacent covered bar and grill area. The inside and outside bars will be full service.

For more info, call 228-344-3201.