City Council questions prospective new sub shop’s owner on effects of online ordering

The City Council at its Monday meeting discussed the ins and outs of operating a potential new Jersey Mike’s location in the Wal-Lex Shopping Center at 864 Lexington St.

Tyler Tombs, the sub shop’s franchisee went in front of the City Council to request a special permit for a fast-food establishment.

The project’s lawyer, Michael Connors, explained that the sub shop would take the place of the former Wal-Lex Cleaners, which closed in July. He said the owner does not plan to change the exterior of the building aside from signage, although the development team will install new kitchen facilities inside the building. Connors added the restaurant would be open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The council had many questions about how online delivery services have affected the fast-food business model and how that might increase traffic volume. 

Tombs already operates nine Jersey Mike’s locations around Greater Boston. He said about half of his business comes from online orders, over half of which come directly through the Jersey Mike’s app. 

Connors said the development team is not concerned about parking and traffic from online ordering. As stated in the project’s traffic mitigation plan, which the Traffic Commission approved in October, the plaza parking lot is currently used at less than half capacity. 

In response to a question from Ward 4 Councillor John McLaughlin, Connors said the building plan does not include a specific pickup spot for delivery drivers. He said the building would likely not be able to accommodate a pickup location in the back because that could block a fire lane. Connors also told the council that the location was not seeking a drive-thru permit.

The council also questioned the development team about rodent and pest mitigation. Connors said the owners are willing to abide by all dumpster ordinances. Tombs added that his other Jersey Mike’s locations have monthly pest control contracts, and Jersey Mike’s implements its own health inspections in addition to Waltham’s municipal inspections.

Resident Zachary Bourque spoke in favor of the new restaurant, although he asked the City Council to look into potential traffic issues in the area, including illegal left turns from the parking lot. In response to questions from Ward 2 Councilor Caren Dunn, the project development team agreed to work with the city’s Engineering Department to manage traffic in the parking lot area.

This permit will go before the council’s Ordinances and Rules Committee next week.