New Simsbury Project Could Include Major Coffee Chain, Mexican Eatery

SIMSBURY, CT — Area residents may soon be able to get a spicy, fresh-made burrito and wash it down with a cup of joe if a proposed development before the Simsbury Zoning Commission happens.

The zoning board is conducting a public hearing Wednesday, June 21, at 7 p.m. for a special excemption permit for Prospect Enterprises LLC, which is looking to transform an old car dealership site into a retail building and two restaurants, likely a Chipotle and a Starbucks.

After the hearing, the zoning board could vote on the exemption, paving the way for construction to begin, as soon as Wednesday night. Or, it could extend the hearing to a later meeting, where a decision could happen.

The developer is seeking a modification regarding lot coverage in a business zone.

The hope is to build a 2,400-square-foot restaurant, a 2,325-square-foot restaurant and an 11,600-square-foot commercial building at 1263 Hopmeadow St.

That address was last the site of a car dealership, Wagner Ford.

While the agenda doesn't mention Chipotle or Starbucks, nor does the project's application cover letter, submitted plans regarding the site show artist's renderings of the commercial building, as well as a modern Starbucks location and a new Chipotle location.

Starbucks is the well-known coffee chain known for fueling caffeine fixes with a wide array of coffee drinks, as well as several specialty beverages and eats for non-coffee drinkers.

Chipotle, meanwhile, is a fast-casual Mexican eatery that offers fresh ingrediants, but quick service.

In addition to the retail site and the two eateries, the development would also feature a drive-up ATM from an area bank, which has yet to be named, according to plans.

For the application's cover letter from the developers, click on this link.

To see the project plan's visuals, including artist renderings, click on this link.

For more information on Chipotle, click on this link.

For more information on Starbucks, click on this link.