COSTA MESA — Healthy dining concept Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop has set its sights on a partially vacant mixed-use office and medical building for the Los Angeles-based eatery's third location, according to a city staff report.
The fast-dining and market business submitted an application to the city for a 1,948-square-foot restaurant, with an outdoor patio and parking lot remediation, at 234 E. 17th Street, according to the report.
"Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop is strongly considering the possibility of opening its first Orange County location, and the partners at Burnham USA have kindly invited us to explore various property options in the Costa Mesa area," said Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop Owner and "Commander-in-Leaf" Jonathan Rollo in a prepared statement.
He continued: "At this time, we would like to be sensitive to the Planning Commission's requests, as well as the Costa Mesa neighborhood, to first communicate our plans with those who we are directly working with. We will be more than happy to share additional information once plans have been officially finalized. We look forward to becoming a part of the wonderful Costa Mesa community in the future, and sharing our fresh, organic menu and commitment to local ingredients with all of our new neighbors."
The item will go before the city Planning Commission for a second reading June 13.
The restaurant was not approved at the May 9 meeting because not enough was known on the traffic and parking impact to the property, said Clair Flynn, city planning administrator.
The site would need 118 parking spaces with the arrival of Greenleaf, according to city staff estimates.
The site has 85 spaces now, but not all are in use, Flynn said.
The restaurant proposed to provide valet parking and increase the number of compact parking spaces, according to the staff report.
To further alleviate parking, bike racks made of discomposed granite and disguised as public art will be installed along Westminster Avenue.