Politics & Government
City Council Approves White Castle's Plans to Build in Maple Grove
In a majority vote, city council members agreed that Dunkirk Square will make a nice home for Maple Grove's first White Castle restaurant.
Updated Aug. 10, 2012. Click on the link for more information.
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The original concept plan for Dunkirk Square, the cluster of shops on Dunkirk Lane and County Road 30 in Maple Grove, called for the construction of a quick service restaurant.
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Now, with the Maple Grove City Council’s sweeping approval, the plans for the corner are complete.
During their Oct. 17 meeting, councilmembers approved the development stage plan for the construction of the city’s first White Castle.
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The proposal to build the 2,550 square foot fast food restaurant came to the city in mid-September. The Maple Grove Planning Commission at their Oct. 10 meeting, but not without a brief discussion about residents’ concerns regarding the potential White Castle clientele. Those same concerns were not raised at Monday’s City Council meeting.
“I commend you for choosing to build in Maple Grove and for bringing more jobs and business to the city,” Councilmember Karen Jaeger said, addressing the White Castle applicants who attended the meeting. “Fast food restaurants are doing really well right now. It’s a sign of the times.”
In preparation for the meeting, Jaeger admitted to perusing White Castle’s website and complimented the company on their robust menu. “We have a full breakfast menu,” said Robert De Young, White Castle’s regional director of restaurant operations. “Breakfast is probably our best kept secret.”
Before staff approved White Castle’s building plans, Councilmember LeAnn Sargent asked questions about the potential driving hazards that could come from Dunkirk Square's crowded intersection. Sargent mentioned that with Discount Tire located close by, accessing County Road 30 from the White Castle could be tricky.
“I’m worried about the sight lines,” Sargent said. John Dietrich, Vice President of Landscape Architecture for RLK Incorporated, the local architecture firm responsible for designing the city’s White Castle, was quick to respond.
“We exceed any sight line requirements,” Dietrich said. “We don’t see [the intersection] as an issue.”
With approval from the City Council, White Castle construction will begin this spring. The restaurant will boast a two-lane drive through and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
