Selectmen OK Expansion Plan for Lavender Asian Cuisine & Bar

To help compete with other Sudbury restaurants, the owners of Lavender Asian Cuisine & Bar submitted a plan to the Board of Selectmen to expand the business when GameStop vacates the lot later this year.

After a brief conversation during its May 21 meeting, the Board unanimously approved the expansion.

The plans will increase the size and shape of the bar and allow for a quieter dining experience in the dining area, manager Yee Fong said.

"We're trying to increase the bar and compete with other restaurants," Fong explained. "This will created a little more seating for dining services."

Chairman Larry O'Brien said his only concern with the plans was in regards to septic capacity, but those concerns were eased by a Board of Health report.

"It looks like should not be an issue," O'Brien said. "It's great to see you are expanding."

No other changes are expected, but the menu will have added items.

"We'll have more specialty cuisines," Fong said, adding that there will be Tai dishes offered.

The plans are for a 1,200 sq. ft. addition to accommodate a 28-seat increase to the floor plan and be within the Board of Health’s permitted seating limit of 84.

Attorney Steve Grande, who was also present representing Lavender, said completion of the construction will take about 90 days and will likely be completed in late November.

Selectman Bob Haarde was not present.

Lavender was in the spotlight last year after receiving a liquor license violation when Annual Town Meeting ended.

O'Brien, along with other town officials and employees, stayed past the allowed liquor license hours, forcing the Sudbury Police Department to issue the violation.