Spring-like weather in Hays in recent weeks has allowed contractors to get a leg up on construction of a new Italian restaurant in Hays.

Chance Reeser, construction manager for Tebo Properties, said warm temperatures and sunny skies have allowed contractors to make up ground on work at Pasta Jay’s, which will anchor a new shopping development north of Interstate 70.

Tebo Villages will also feature a 12-storefront retail development at the northeast corner of 43rd and Vine.

While no tenants have been announced, developers have said leases are out and in consideration by several businesses.

Pasta Jays’ owner Jay Elowsky was in Hays a few weeks ago, Reeser said, meeting with contractors and seeing the progress on his third restaurant first-hand.

“Everything’s going well,” Reeser said. “We’re anticipating the building being done in June.”