Outback approved for new mall site

The groundwork for a new Outback Steakhouse soon could be laid in Mentor.

The city Planning Commission this week approved the final site plan for a new 6,550-squarefoot restaurant on about an acre in Dillard’s parking lot at Great Lakes Mall.

The preliminary site plan was approved last month.

“We plan to, if we get approval tonight, launch our construction documents (and) permitting process,” said Outback representative Jamie Butler at the Jan. 18 meeting. “This is a joint effort between ourselves and (mall owner) Washington Prime. Washington Prime is actually building the site, delivering the pad, and then we would construct our building. Speaking on behalf of Washington Prime, they plan to start site construction as soon as conditions permit.

“We would love to get under construction no later than June and get the restaurant open this year.”

This would replace the restaurant at 8595 Market St.

Outback’s relocation adds to the mall’s evolution and it creates an opportunity for repurposing the site on Market Street, sandwiched between two Penske dealerships, said Ronald M. Traub, Mentor’s economic and community development director.

He said the existing eatery

site is well-suited for redevelopment by the automotive

company. In June, the commission

approved a minor subdivision creating the parcel for the restaurant at the mall, at 7785 Plaza Blvd.

In other action, the commission dismissed a proposal to re-image the McDonald’s at 7700 Reynolds Road. The project was up for architectural review and was tabled at the Dec. 21 meeting.

The dismissal was requested by the chain.

“They had a change in the business plan … a change in philosophy,” said Mentor Planner Larry Rastatter. “They will be back.”

SUBMITTED A look at the Outback Steakhouse planned in the Great Lakes Mall parking lot in Mentor.