Sayreville Planning Board Approves Updates for Panera and Starbucks at Gateway Center

SAYREVILLE, NJ – The Sayreville Planning Board approved amendments to the Gateway Center site plan, affecting Panera and Starbucks. Jennifer Phillips Smith, attorney with Gibbs PC, represented Seville Seaport Associates Urban Renewal (SSA).

“For these three buildings, we are asking for approval to make slight changes to the building layouts,” Smith said. She noted that building footprints were adjusted and internal driveways shifted, while the original six pad sites remain part of the plan.

Construction is already moving forward, according to Mark Feta, project executive for Riverton. “Much of the infrastructure is in place, and one of the buildings in Gateway Services has already started,” he said. “Utilities, roads, curbing, and even the traffic lights along Peter Fisher Boulevard are installed.”

Civil engineer Dan Bush explained the specific building updates. “Building 1130, which includes a Starbucks with a drive-through, is now 6,225 square feet,” he said. Regarding Panera, Bush added, “We rotated the building so it now runs parallel to Peter Fisher Boulevard instead of perpendicular, which opens up more space on the lot.”

Bush said the new Panera orientation allows for additional retail development. “The spine road running east to west can be shifted closer to Peter Fisher Boulevard,” he said. Total square footage for Lot 24 increased slightly, from 25,050 to 25,543 square feet.

Architect Michael Testa described Starbucks’ exterior updates. “The facade will feature durable, upscale materials, including brick, metal panels, and wood veneer,” he said. The smaller footprint reflects ongoing prototype development for Starbucks.

Panera’s updated design follows its new prototype, according to architect Jim Kimball. “The building is clad in brick veneer and efis, with a brick base around the entire structure to make it durable and low-maintenance,” he said. Panera will seat 89 indoors, with an outdoor patio for 22, while Starbucks will offer about 16 outdoor seats, Testa added.

The board voted unanimously to approve the amended site plans.

For weekly updates on what’s happening in Sayreville, check out our newsletter by subscribing for free here: Subscribe to The Sayreville Insider