A Sonic drive-in restaurant is on the way to Mayfield Heights. The chain is known for its carhop service, burgers, ice cream and variety of drink combinations.
City Council approved site plans for the restaurant, which will occupy the former KFC site at 5836 Mayfield Road, near Mayfair Boulevard. Although Sonic has 3,500 restaurants in 43 states, the nearest locations are in Streetsboro, Parma and Brunswick.
"We will try to be open toward the first part of November," franchise owner Kerry Dechant told council.
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Plans for Sonic required variances of 5 feet for side yard setback and 38 feet for front setback for a canopy structure, 32 feet front setback for an outdoor patio and for outside sales with an outdoor patio and within automobiles in designated parking spaces.
The restaurant will have an interior seating area as well as a 646-square-foot outdoor patio in addition to the drive-in area, which is for use primarily in the summer.
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Councilman Anthony DiCicco said members of the Board of Zoning Appeals were not concerned about the variances.
"I think everyone felt pretty comfortable with the openness of the structure not impeding any visibility," he said.
Mayor Gregory Costabile said Sonic had a nice design.
"It's actually a relatively sharp look," he said. "This will be a nice upgrade to that entire shopping area."
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