Chipotle slated to open in Saco by year's end

SACO — Saco could have two new chain restaurants on Route One by next year.

On Tuesday, the Planning Board approved a site plan for a proposed development at 507 Main St (Route One)., the site of a former Pizza Hut. Developer Saco Retail Management LLC intends to replace the existing building with a 5,400 square foot multi-unit commercial building. The proposed building would house a 2,600 Chipotle Mexican Grill with drive-thru, a 1,400 square foot walk-in only Jersey Mike’s Subs and an additional 1,400 square foot retail establishment.

The proposed project also received contract zone approval from the City Council last year to allow a fast-food restaurant at the location and to also allow parking in front of the building and a drive-thru lane that is less than five feet from the property line. In exchange, the city will be deeded land behind the building to allow for the construction of a connector road between Smith Lane and Stockman Avenue.

Representatives from both Chipotle and Jersey Mike’s were contacted, and though neither could offer specific information, they gave a general idea when the restaurants will open. The Jersey Mike’s is expected to open in early 2023, said Jersey Mike’s Subs spokesman Kyle Potvin. Sally Evans, a spokeswoman  for Chipotle Mexican Grill, said that a new Chipotle restaurant will open in Saco by the end of the year.

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Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at [email protected].