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.
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Too bad they forced out a local independent dry cleaner for a franchisee that is not local. Guy from Jersey such a shame plenty of other local companies trying to open in the area but get priced out. Shame on the property management company.
It’s always a laugh when these traffic/parking studies are done when the area is under years long construction and magically find that there’s only half-capacity usage at the parking lot. That is a totally crowded lot most of the time.
It’s a shame how in a restaurant destination city, the choices in this neighborhood (places I can walk to!) are Burger King, Dunks, Papa Gino, Chipotle, Panera, Subway, and Charbucks. At least there’s Grassfields. Just like Moody Street, immigrants have come along and made the scene better- Banh Mi Oi and Bonfire Grill are welcome local eateries in North Waltham.
That parking lot was badly planned from some past-life Waltham City Council/Planning Board decision–the businesses are great; the parking lot configuration is horrible. Jersey Mike’s won’t make it any worse and certainly not because of on-line order pickup–doesn’t that already happen at Dunkin’ and Grassfields? Also, Mr. Bourque is spot on with his point about the no left hand turn sign being repeatedly ignored, because it is. Good reporting here. Thank you.