The popular burger restaurant, In-N-Out Burger has been seeking
approval to build in Morgan Hill for months – so far in vain. The
company is entering a third round of approval-seeking, starting
with an appearance last Thursday before the Architectural Review
Board. This time In-N-Out had Applebee
’s Restaurant in tow.
The popular burger restaurant, In-N-Out Burger has been seeking approval to build in Morgan Hill for months – so far in vain. The company is entering a third round of approval-seeking, starting with an appearance last Thursday before the Architectural Review Board. This time In-N-Out had Applebee’s Restaurant in tow.
The problem is that the site In-N-Out insists upon, in the Madrone Business Park at the northwest corner of Cochrane Road and Highway 101, is designated as a “Gateway to the City” and zoned for two sit-down restaurants.
In-N-Out is a fast food restaurant with a drive through lane and city staff, upholding the Gateway concept, repeatedly recommended against approval. According to Ron Volle, Northern California real estate manager for In-N-Out, Applebee’s, which is a sit-down restaurant, has agreed to share the corner with them. Placement, however, has been reversed, with In-N-Out next to the freeway.
The ARB reaction was generally favorable, according to Terry Linder, a planner in the city Planning Department.
The board recommended some proportion changes in the building’s columns and asked for the architecture to be less “standard” and “franchised-looking.”
The matter will return to the ARB on Feb. 6, to the Planning Commission on Feb. 11, and to the City Council on March 5, if the Planning Commission approves its newest plans.
