The city planning commission voted to recommend approval on two requests during its July 1 meeting for Ayat, a fast-casual restaurant which will be located at 200 W. Spring Valley Road, if approved by City Council.
The details
The first request was for a drive-thru and second would allow a 329-square-foot covered patio to be built.
Senior Planner Derica Peters said the future land use plan lists the property for restaurant use; however, it does not include drive-thru use.
Real estate broker John Martini, who represented the property owner and restaurant owner at the meeting, said the owners wanted the drive-thru so the restaurant will have flexible pick-up options for diners.
Some context
The location previously housed a Wendy’s location that closed in 2023, Peters said. Martini said the property has been vacant because the Wendy’s Company put a deed restriction on the land disallowing uses if more than 15% of sales came from hamburgers.
Ayat Restaurant is a New York City-based restaurant serving Middle Eastern cuisine with locations in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, according to city documents.
The discussion
Commissioners voted to recommend approval for the patio unanimously; however, the drive-thru passed with the 4-3 vote.
“This is a key corner for the Sherman Street area,” Chairman Bryan Marsh said. He added he would prefer a sit-down restaurant in the space rather than a drive-thru.
Marsh, along with commissioners Michael Keller and Kristen Schaschek voted against approval.
Council will have final approval at an upcoming meeting.
