Saturday, October 6, 2012

Frozen Yogurt Store Gets Warm Reception


by Anne Mitchell

With the owners of a planned frozen yogurt shop in Bailey’s Shopping Center agreeing to all conditions imposed by city planners, the only real question left was, “When will you open?”

Planning commissioner Chuck Ketteman said he was asking that question “as a potential customer.” Applicant Jeremy Kane replied that the goal was to open in time for Sanibel’s annual early December Luminary Trail, but certainly for the peak tourist season.

The business, Zebra Frozen Yogurt, will occupy a 1,435-square-foot commercial unit in the center and will have 20 indoor seats as well as carryout service. It will also be eligible for some bonus outdoor seating.

The space was recently occupied by KOR Island Provisions – a furniture store – and prior to that by the Sanibel Beauty Shop.

Until a year ago, there was a frozen yogurt take-out store in Bailey’s Shopping Center. A city memo calls such a store “apopular community benefit.”

Although the new yogurt shop will be larger, it remains consistent with the requirements for a conditional use permit, said Benjamin Popple, city planner.

Zebra Frozen Yogurt will sell frozen yogurt and ice cream with accompanying toppings, smoothies, soft drinks and other hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages. Because it involves on-site food
preparation, conditional use review and approval is required by the planning commission.

Bailey’s Shopping Center operates under a PUD (planned unit development) agreement, having its own set of city approved rules.

A review of parking by JMB Transportation Engineering indicates that Bailey’s has more than enough parking to meet its peak season demand, even with the new store.

One possible stumbling block was that Bailey’s had to relocate its Tarpon Bay Road driveway to comply with an update to its master plan. Popple said, “That permit has been issued.

Island Sun (September 28, 2012)

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