Former Yoken's Retail Project Takes Shape

Portsmouth area residents who drove by the former Yoken's conference center site this week probably noticed the first expansive retail and commercial building has been erected.

Two months after the 4 Amigos LLC group broke ground at the Lafayette Road site, the $10 million development is now taking shape.

Scott Mitchell, one of the managing members of the 4 Amigos LLC group, previously said the developers will create a new Rite-Aid pharmacy, a Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank and a Five Guys Burger and Fries restaurant.

The former Yoken's restaurant and conference center closed in 2004, and the site has been vacant for more than eight years.

Mitchell also said in January that the developers plan to save the former Yoken's conference center "Thar She Blows" sign that is still wrapped in white plastic. He said the sign will be preserved as is, with one exception. Instead of saying "Yoken's Good Things to Eat" it will say "Yoken's Plaza."

Mitchell said the new stores and restaurant will open sometime in May and June and based on the progress the contractors have made already, they seem to be right on target.

How do you feel about the new retail and commercial development that is being built at the former Yoken's conference center site? Let us know in the comments field below.