By Mike Hazlip—
Construction fencing and heavy machinery can now be seen in the Hobby Lobby parking lot on Greenback Lane where the region’s first Raising Cane’s chicken fingers drive-thru is set to open.
Crews have already started breaking up the asphalt at the site, which takes up a large portion of the former Toys R Us parking lot.
The Louisiana-based restaurant company did not return The Sentinel’s request for comment by press time Wednesday evening, but city spokeswoman Nichole Baxter said the project is going according to plan.
“There weren’t any changes to their approved design; they pulled their first building permits the week of April 19 to begin site work, and have been moving along quickly,” she said in an email this week.
A previous report from The Sentinel shows the Citrus Heights Planning Commission unanimously approved the proposal in December. A “development proposal” sign was visible at the site for several months to allow public input on the project.
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.
The restaurant will have 24 parking spaces and a drive-thru capacity of 18 vehicles.
Raising Cane’s 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 Sacramento Business Journal. The nearest location to Citrus Heights is currently in Reno, Nevada.
The restaurant chain is known for its chicken fingers, cole slaw, and Texas toast. With over 500 locations nationally, Citrus Heights will be the first Northern California location. The business eventually plans to open 30 locations throughout the Central Valley.
A site plan of the new restaurant can be viewed in the prior story: Citrus Heights Planning Commission gives OK to new Raising Cane’s drive-thru
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