The West Long Branch Planning Board has approved a new hibachi and buffet restaurant for the Consumer Centre Shopping Center on Route 36 in the borough.
The board granted the waiver of a site plan and the required variances for Hibachi Grill and Supreme Buffet, a chain restaurant that already has locations throughout New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
Architect Frank Mileto said the building is roughly 14,000 square feet and will house 300 seats. The building is located between FYE and what is now Halloween Spirit.
He said the building is short about 53 spaces from what is required by the borough's parking ordinance, but asked for a variance because he does not expect the lot to ever be over capacity.
"There is parking throughout the lot, and I've never found it to be near full," Mileto said.
Landlord Michael Koan said he also agreed that the lot is never full and is not in danger of filling up because of the new restaurant.
Mayor Janet Tucci asked if there would be any odors generated by the hibachi-style cooking, and Mileto said that it would not because of the restaurant's "state of the art" ventilation and filtration methods.
"Many of our other restaurants are located near residential areas, and they do not ever complain about it," Mileto said.
The board also stipulated the owners keep their dumpster in the trash enclosures in the back of the building.
The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Monday through Sunday.
Mileto said once the owners receive a building permit, the restaurant will open in another three to five months.
