Restaurant/brewhouse and another Dollar General store are planned in Millcreek Township
A new restaurant planned for construction at the Millcreek Mall will have patio dining, exterior murals and a unique architectural element.
California-based BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse plans to build a restaurant near the southern entrance to the mall off Peach Street, on a portion of the property previously occupied by a Sears Auto Center. Sonic Drive-in opened on the other half of the property in July 2019.
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BJ's architecture will evoke its brewhouse heritage, said Michael Takacs, of Bohler Engineering, Pittsburgh. Takacs detailed construction plans for the Millcreek Township Planning Commission on Tuesday.
"One new element that (BJ's) is putting into their restaurants is a silo that's not actually functional but plays on the brewing heritage of the restaurant. It really adds to the overall architecture, adds to the theme of the restaurant, and I think is a pleasing element," Takacs said.
BJ's Restaurants Inc. owns and operates more than 200 restaurants in 29 states, including four others in Pennsylvania, in Pittsburgh, Upper St. Clair, Allentown and Lancaster, according to the company website.
The restaurant/brewhouse specializes in deep-dish pizza and craft beers.
The 7,662-square-foot restaurant at the Millcreek Mall will face Peach Street. Its entrance driveway will be from the mall parking lot.
Township planners recommended the development plan for consideration by township supervisors on May 23. The recommendation is contingent on BJ's meeting greenspace requirements and township consideration of whether a sidewalk will be required in front of the building, along the west side of Peach Street.
BJ's will apply for a zoning variance from the township to provide 109 parking spaces for the restaurant. Millcreek zoning regulations allow up to 92 spaces.
"BJ's (has) restaurants that need up to 150 spaces," Takacs said. "But they're comfortable with extra parking available (here) in the mall."
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Also recommended for approval by township supervisors Tuesday are plans for another Dollar General Store, at West 38th Street and Atlantic Avenue.
The 10,640-square-foot store is planned for construction on the south side of West 38th Street.
Dollar General has more than 19,000 stores in 47 states, including dozens in Erie County, according to the company website.
Millcreek supervisors approved plans for another Dollar General store, on West Ridge Road at McKee Road, in November.
Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@timesnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse plans to build at the Millcreek Mall
