Plans to construct a drive-through area for the Little Caesars Pizza at 89 W. Burdick Street were positively received by the Oxford Village Planning Commission last week.
‘I think overall the opinion’s pretty favorable toward it,? said Planning Commission Chair Tom Schultz.
Owners Brian and Becky Pierse, of Oxford, wish to install a pickup window on the west side of their store to make things ‘more convenient? for customers.
‘I let a couple of customers know we were thinking about it early last year and they seemed excited,? Brian said. ‘They’re looking forward to the convenience.?
Brian said his proposal would make accessing his store a lot easier for parents who don’t wish to leave their children in the vehicle and disabled customers who don’t want to ‘climb over the curb? and deal with the door.
‘Obviously, we’re hoping it will (increase) business a little bit,? said Brian, noting they would like to have the window installed ‘as soon as possible.?
During those busy times, the pickup window would help alleviate parking problems in the West Burdick Plaza, he added.
‘It gets congested in there on the busier days, the weekends of course, when people are out and about,? Brian said. ‘But for the most part it’s pretty good.?
Paul’s Barber Shop and Art & Dick’s Party Store are the other two tenants in the small shopping center owned by Dick Mersino.
No menu boards or loud speakers would be installed as part of this proposed drive-through area. Brian said it would only be utilized by customers who place orders over the phone or are purchasing one of Little Caesars ready-made pizzas.
‘It’s just a pickup window,? Brian said. ‘It’s not really a typical drive-through.?
‘Little Caesars recommends pickup windows wherever they can be put in,? he explained. ‘We’ve been working on this one for about a year, just getting some information together.?
In order to install a drive-through, the Pierses require special land use approval from the planning commission.
A public hearing regarding that special land use will be conducted at the commission’s Tuesday, May 15 meeting.
The Pierses have owned the Little Caesars in Oxford for eight years. They also own one in downtown Lake Orion.