Dairy Queen planned for U.S. 301

Sarasota residents with a sweet tooth may be in for a treat, as developers have submitted plans to the city for a Dairy Queen restaurant in the downtown area.

On Wednesday, representatives for Pensacola-based Lakeview Associated Enterprises will go before the city’s Development Review Committee to discuss plans for a Dairy Queen restaurant at 402 N. Washington Blvd.

The 2,320-square-foot restaurant would be constructed following the demolition of the existing commercial buildings on the property, including the structure that currently houses Two Amigos restaurant. Plans call for the restaurant to seat 60, with a drive-thru and 27 parking spaces provided.

In a staff memo, city planner Lucia Panica outlines at least one hurdle for the development: One of the three parcels owned by Lakeview Associated Enterprises is zoned Downtown Edge, and a restaurant is not an approved use in that zoning district. In order to proceed as planned, developers will have to apply for a rezone and a comprehensive plan amendment.

The full staff memo can be found on the city website. The DRC will discuss the proposed project at its Wednesday meeting, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. in Room 112 at City Hall.