Whataburger Restaurants Project Manager Wesley Williams and a representative with BL Companies submitted to the Town of Southern Pines a Planned Development District – Preliminary Development Plan application for a 3,305 square-foot Whataburger fast-food restaurant in the new Morganton Park South shopping center, anchored by Target.
Whataburger is an iconic Texas-based restaurant quickly spreading its brand across the U.S. The proposed restaurant would be on a 2.2-acre lot between the future Starbucks and the Duke Power substation.
Williams and a representative from BL Companies, who are the engineers and architects on the project, went before the Southern Pines Planning Board on Thursday with condition requests on parking spaces as part of the preliminary development phase for Whataburger.
The Whataburger representatives told board members they need more than the 33 parking spots allowed due to the number of seats in the proposed restaurant and because it’s a stand-alone building on its own lot.
“We don’t want people parking at Starbucks and running across the street,” said planning board member Jennifer Garner.
The board approved the zoning condition to allow up to 42 parking spots.
The board also discussed that a 20-foot buffer is needed between the restaurant’s parking lot and the Duke Power substation. They suggested that the buffer remain natural because of the presence of hardwood and tall pines. Williams agreed and offered to add a few trees if needed.
The restaurant will have 58 seats and a double drive-through. They will be open 24 hours.
“That’s the pride of our company. We are here to be a hometown family Whataburger to serve law enforcement, EMS, fire, and third shift employees,” said Williams.
The Southern Pines Town Council will next consider the proposal.
Feature photo: The proposed location for a Whataburger fast-food restaurant is situated at the Morganton Park South shopping center in Southern Pines.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Curtis Self. Curtis has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2019.
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