Sentinel staff report–
Despite economic shutdowns during the coronavirus pandemic, Citrus Heights is on track to add a new Louisiana-based chicken fingers restaurant to the variety of eateries available in the city.
The Citrus Heights Planning Commission on Wednesday gave unanimous approval for a 3,100-square-foot restaurant to be built in the corner of the Hobby Lobby parking lot area closest to Greenback Lane. The vote was held following brief comments from several commissioners and an uneventful public hearing, where no comments were submitted from the public.
Popular Japanese noodle restaurant to open new location in Citrus Heights
Commissioner Janelle Ingle said she was happy to see restaurant management had preemptively addressed concerns with hours of operation that were initially proposed to extend to 3:30 a.m. on weekends. The restaurant has agreed to operate with a 1 a.m. closing time on weekends due to input from police and the city, but the closing time can be addressed again at a later date after more review.
Plans call for a 3,172-square-foot restaurant and a 199-square-foot outdoor covered patio. The total site area will take up 36,566 square feet of the Hobby Lobby parking area. A reciprocal parking agreement has been made with the craft store.
Eleven protected trees will be removed as part of the project, but a city planner said replacement trees in the landscaping plan will “more than” compensate for the removals.
Plans call for 24 parking spaces and one space reserved for a clean air vehicle. The proposal calls for two drive-thru lanes with a total capacity of 18 cars.
For traffic management, a “no U-turn” sign will be added in the nearby median on Greenback Lane. City Engineer Leslie Blomquist said the signage was required to prevent drivers making a right-only exit onto Greenback from immediately making a U-turn to go in the opposite direction.
Raising Cane’s is known for their limited menu and appeal to college-age demographics, according to a recent report in the Sacramento Business Journal. Popular items are its chicken fingers, Texas toast and cole slaw.
The company is reportedly planning to open more than 30 locations throughout the Central Valley. In addition to Citrus Heights, new restaurants are planned for Roseville and Natomas, according to the Journal. The nearest location to Citrus Heights is currently in Reno, Nevada.
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