BJ’s applies to open a new location in Boardman

Staff report

BOARDMAN

California-based BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse has submitted plans to the township zoning office to demolish an old restaurant and build a new one.

Marilyn Kenner, assistant zoning inspector, said the restaurant’s architecture firm submitted the plans Monday.

The plan is to raze the former Cheddar’s Casual Cafe location outside of Southern Park Mall and near Chili’s restaurant. Cheddar’s closed in November.

BJ’s is known for its craft beer, deep-dish pizza and casual-dining experience.

The zoning office will review the plans. If they do not need further review by the zoning board, then BJ’s will receive the permit it has requested.

Kenner said the office was surprised to see that BJ’s wants to demolish the Cheddar building.

“They have their own building design,” she said.

BJ’s started in beach cities along Southern California’s coastline in the late 1970s.

In late June, BJ’s opened a location in Lexington, Ky. To date, the company owns and operates 177 restaurants in 23 states.

The company’s other Ohio restaurants are in Mentor, Fairlawn and Canton.