Orlando, Fla.-based Byblos Development Ohio said construction could begin in June, and that the restaurant could be open for business sometime this fall.
Chipotle also is in the process of building a restaurant in Hamilton.
The Middletown location will come to an area that has seen development in recent years. In August 2014, Towne Mall owners received approval to build seven new out-buildings in the area surrounding the mall that was being used for parking.
Tenants include Aspen Dental, GNC, Sport Clips and Buffalo Wild Wings, and the project was completed in early 2016. The Chipotle would be north of those businesses.
City officials said the proposed Chipotle restaurant will feature a pickup-only window for food orders made in advance through a mobile device or online.
According to Business Insider, Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol told investors during a Feb. 6 call that Chipotle planned to open “a few dozen more” mobile-order pickup lanes, called “Chipotolanes.” The company has already added a “Chipotolane” to 10 of its U.S. restaurants, according to Business Insider.
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After placing the order, customers are to pull up to a window at the specified pickup time, allowing them to pick up orders without leaving their car.
Chipotle was identified as a highly desired restaurant by city residents who participated in the 2017 “What If” Middletown visioning community outreach survey. The “What if Middletown” visioning process was an initial step to publicize the Master Plan and other community planning processes.
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