New restaurant design promises vibrant outdoor dining experience

A new restaurant is set to open in Clemson, South Carolina, as part of an expanding chain that currently operates one location in Athens, Georgia, with plans for additional sites in Auburn, Alabama. The Clemson location will feature a unique design focused on outdoor dining, with a patio that allows guests to enjoy their meals in an open-air environment.

The restaurant's layout includes a kitchen and staff area, with two restrooms accessible from the exterior. Guests will place orders at a walk-up window and can choose to dine on the patio or utilize a drive-thru option. The design incorporates a large canopy over the patio, which will be partially enclosed with glass and equipped with roll-down plastic shades for inclement weather.

The exterior of the building will be clad in dark navy blue vertical metal panels, complemented by a brick wall surrounding the patio. The site will be elevated to enhance visibility and aesthetics, addressing previous concerns about the trash enclosure's visibility from the street. The enclosure will now stand at eight feet tall, designed to minimize its impact on the surrounding area.

During the meeting, the developers sought a variance regarding the height of the freestanding sign, which they argue is necessary due to the site's elevation changes. The project aims to create a vibrant dining experience while adhering to community standards and addressing previous feedback from local officials. The developers expressed enthusiasm for their expansion into Clemson and welcomed any further questions from the community.