By Charlie Breitrose

The parking lot of the former Arsenal Mall in Watertown has been turned into a construction site, but by the end of the year the first new tenants will begin opening for business.

The Wilder Co., which manages the retail space at Arsenal Yards, has announced several signings. About 60 percent of Arsenal Yards’ 250,000 sq. ft. of retail space has been leased, so far, said Arsenal Project Manager Andrew Copelotti.

Opening first will be the seven-screen Majestic movie theaters and City Works Eatery & Pour House, a sports bar with upscale food and a long list of beers. Both are scheduled to open in late 2019.

Roche Bros. will open a supermarket featuring a prepared food section in one of the new buildings at Arsenal Yards.

Other restaurants will be: Shake Shack, Tender Greens, Pokeworks and Condesa Restaurante Mexicano.

Another feature of the project is a 150-room hotel. The Hampton Inn and Suites will be the second built by Boylston Properties in Watertown following the opening of the Residence Inn by Marriott on the former Charles River Saab site.

Despite ending plans to build a residential tower, Arsenal Yards will still have 300 apartments, which will be on top of the new retail space.

Meanwhile, it’s not necessary to wait for the new eateries to open at Arsenal Yards in order to experience some new dining spots in Watertown.

The largest space belongs to Joyful Garden, which serves up authentic Chinese food in the former Old Country Buffet spot inside the Watertown Mall. The restaurant used to be located in Brighton.

One of Watertown’s culinary hotspots, Strip T’s, closed down in June 2018. The eatery started as a sandwich shop, but became known for high-end dinner service. Recently, Avenue Deli opened in the same spot on School Street.

Asian food lovers can choose from a number of Asian cuisines at Ginger Exchange. The local chain opened a location in Watertown Square.