West Hartford/Farmington Wendy's Rebuild Gets Final OK

WEST HARTFORD/FARMINGTON, CT — The Wendy's fast-food restaurant located near the WestFarms Mall in West Hartford/Farmington will soon be leveled.

But before hungry shoppers cry "Where's the beef?" they can rest easy knowing a developer's proposal to demolish and rebuild a new, modern Wendy's now has the necessary approvals.

At the West Hartford Plan and Zoning Commission's last meeting, commission members unanimously approved a special use permit to build the new fast food restaurant.

The unanimous, 5-0 vote on April 1 came with standard conditions that included: being "in harmony" with development in the area; safe parking, loading, trash and recycling capabilities; and a new drive-through complying with local noise ordinances.

"Inspired by Opportunity LLC," which is the lessee of 331 South Road, Farmington/West Hartford, plans to build a new, modern box-style 2,680-square-foot Wendy's by the mall.

The building footprint would be in West Hartford, with much of the parking in Farmington, though the entire project needed approval from both towns.

In September 2022, the Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission already said "yes" to the project.

West Hartford took longer to finalize due to some of its local regulations (namely its special development district) and a high backlog of development proposals in town.

In fact, West Hartford didn't receive any applications regarding the Wendy's proposal until early this year.

In February, the West Hartford Town Council approved altering the town's special development district (which falls under its purview) to allow the project to happen.

Then, the PZC received the application in March, ultimately extending the final action to its April meeting.

With all necessary town approvals secured, it is now time to demolish the old Wendy's and build a new one.

While the current Wendy's can seat 108 diners, the new facility will only be able to seat 40.

The addition of a drive-through, which the current Wendy's doesn't have, is expected to help keep revenue flowing despite the smaller building size.

The current restaurant is also 3,220 square feet, with the new structure planned to be significantly smaller and more modern.

For the minutes of the April 1 West Hartford Plan and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

From Jan. 11: 'Wendy's Rebuild Plans Submitted To West Hartford'

From Sept. 23, 2022: 'Wendy's In Farmington/West Hartford To Undergo Major Renovation'