The space beside Starbuck’s at 44 Main St. is set to receive a new occupant in the form of Jersey Mike’s Subs some time over the next year.
The Zoning Boards of Appeals signed off on signage and restaurant permits use in February.
“Still a little early in the game,” said Town Planner Robert Hummel. “Now we’re waiting for them to follow through on a building permit.” Construction will likely begin in the next six months, he said.
Jersey Mike’s will be splitting the suite, which has remained empty since the closing of pet supply store Loyal Companion last fall, with Chase Bank.
Hummel hopes that Jersey Mike’s is just the start. “More restaurants would help, definitely, we need more businesses coming to the town.” Specifically more “mixed uses” along the Route 20 corridor – the area from Russell’s Garden Center to the intersection of Route 20 and 126 – over the next 10 to 15 years.
“We’re trying to make it as easy as possible for businesses like restaurants to locate in town,” said Hummel, but zoning restrictions can still be an obstacle. “It just takes time and Town Meeting votes.”
The most recent Town Meeting saw an overlay passed to allow for casual and fast food restaurants or coffee shops to apply for a drive-up window – where patrons can pick up orders – which Hummel believes will make the town more attractive to restaurants.
Jersey Mike’s currently operates 3,080 locations in the country, with another 297 opening soon.
