If all goes according to plan, a new WOW Cafe and Wingery could open on Burbank Drive.
Chris Shaheen, agent and broker with Saurage Rotenberg Commercial Real Estate, is working to secure a variance and rezone the property.
The FUTUREBR plan designated the area as a residential development, and Shaheen is working to rezone it as commercial.
If secured, the area on Burbank near South Kenilworth Parkway and across the street from Lakeside Daiquiris will be developed into a WOW Cafe location boasting the “largest and nicest patio in Baton Rouge,” Shaheen said.
Shaheen said he plans to build the restaurant/sports bar on four acres of land that will include a sand volleyball court, outdoor batting cages and indoor golf.
He said he wants the restaurant to host tournaments and show sports games on an outdoor screen.
“I’m trying to create something that will become a tradition — it’s not just a restaurant,” he said.
Shaheen said the location on Burbank seemed ideal because it’s easily accessible to both family and student markets, and the price is right.
Shaheen said he hopes there are no hiccups along the road to rezone the property, and he’s working to garner support for the project.
“Burbank Drive was created to pull commercial [property] off of Highland Road and put it on to Burbank, so to turn around and say that area is residential is kind of ridiculous,” he said.
The area is surrounded by other retail developments, so Shaheen said he doesn’t think obtaining a variance will be a problem.
“To look at it from an economic perspective, it’ll create jobs and tax dollars, and it won’t affect anyone negatively,” he said.
Shaheen said he plans to meet with city council members within the next 30 days to secure a rezoning permit.
 
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Contact Emily Herrington at [email protected]