By Dave Fidlin
CORRESPONDENT
Following a popular trend across the U.S., Rochester’s Burger King franchisee said he is looking to move away from the “sea of asphalt” appearance outside the venerable fast food eatery.
Dan Lupont, owner of the local Burger King at 2723 Beck Drive, is in the midst of overhauling his restaurant. In June, he was given authority to proceed with an extreme makeover that includes a reconfigured dining area and drive-thru.
Lupont came before the Rochester Plan Commission on Aug. 1 with an additional request: shrinking the size of his parking lot from 56 to 47 stalls. Village code states the property should have at least 36 stalls, meaning the revisions are not outside set parameters.
Consumer preferences have shifted, Lupont said, and his lot is rarely full. The strategy in the parking lot mirrors the interior modifications, which entail shrinking the size of the existing dining area. Drive-thru service has increased as fewer customers are dining inside.
Although specifics were not discussed at this week’s meeting, Lupont said he intends to add green space to areas once used for the parking lot. Jon Schattner, zoning administrator, suggested adding trees to the area and potentially creating a small picnic area.
Discussion about the future of the fireworks tent, which has been a mainstay in the parking lot around Independence Day each year, also came up at the meeting. Lupont said he plans to continue making accommodations for the tent and believes the revamped parking lot will still be able to accommodate the temporary business.
The goal, Lupont said, is to have the interior and exterior renovations completed by mid-August.
“It doesn’t look like it will happen right now, but it will soon,” he said.
Trustee Mike Weinkauf, who chairs the Plan Commission, praised Lupont for the refresh of the restaurant, which has roots going back to the late 1980s under the Hardee’s nameplate.
“It’s amazing what you guys are doing,” Weinkauf said. “It’s really coming along.”
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