Papa John's Proposal Approved by Planners

In spite of the fact that Hellertown is already home to about a half-dozen pizza shops, it's about to become home to one more.

On Tuesday, the Hellertown Planning Commission unanimously approved an application by Papa John's franchisee Kevin Godusky to open and operate a pizza shop at 1236 Main St., in a storefront that is currently vacant.

The building in which the pizza shop will open is owned by George Howey, who also owns a vacant former movie theater.

Leasing agent Robert Thompson of KW Commercial-The James Balliet Commercial Group told the planning commission the Main Street Papa John's in Hellertown will primarily cater to takeout and home delivery customers, although there will be one table with four chairs in front.

With a 25-car parking lot located behind the building and on-street parking spaces in front of it, "they have more than adequate parking," engineer Bryan Smith of Barry Isett and Associates told planners.

Responding to a question, Thompson said delivery of supplies will take place between midnight and 4am, when it will be least likely to impact traffic and parking in the area.

"It is a quiet neighborhood after midnight," said planning commission member Phil Weber. "(But) the truck shouldn’t be a problem, unless he starts banging. It all depends on how they do it."

Godusky told planners he hopes to open the Papa John's by Sept. 1.

Its hours of operation will most likely be from 11am to 11pm weekdays, and 11am to midnight weekends, Godusky said.