The other KFC in Augusta, which shares a building with Taco Bell at 300 Civic Center Drive and is accessed from Darin Drive, remains open.

Neighbors have complained that blasting at McGee’s pit has damaged their homes, made it hard to sell them by lowering their property values, and disrupted their lives with noise and vibrations.

Officials said some years the building has operated at a loss, but this year is likely to bring a small profit, highlighting a stronger local economy that’s prompting more people to attend events and spend money there.