Applicants propose Assad’s Hot Chicken restaurant and commissary at 6300 block of Westfield Avenue

Christopher Burr, an attorney with the law firm Delta Purdue Lewis and Burr, told the Pennsauken Township Committee on the evening of the committee’s February meeting that applicants are seeking land-use approvals to convert an existing commercial building at about 6300 Westfield Avenue into an Assad’s Hot Chicken quick-service restaurant with an on-site commissary to serve other local outlets.

Burr said the property is within the township’s redevelopment zone and in a C-1 commercial zoning district and that the applicants will seek any variances the land-use board requires. “This is a proposed dual use of the property for an Assad’s Hot Chicken restaurant combined with a commissary kitchen serving other Assad’s locations,” Burr said.

Joshua Valley, identified as a principal with Consulting Properties LLC and a member of the applicant team, described operations: the restaurant would operate roughly 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (hours may vary by location), with the commissary working more limited daytime hours (about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Valley said the commissary would prepare desserts, baked goods and other items for distribution to other nearby outlets and that the applicant currently operates about 10 other locations in New Jersey and Philadelphia, with one existing commissary feeding several restaurants.

Committee members raised site and neighborhood concerns. Mayor Roberts asked for confirmation of the proposed hours. Deputy Mayor Rafae and Committeeman Martinez asked how many nearby locations the commissary would serve and whether the new facility would be the first hub for the chain in the area. Valley said this location would be the first local commissary hub and that the business is owner-operated. Committeeman Patrick asked about deliveries; applicants said they expect small box-truck deliveries in the morning and afternoon for restocking and pickups.

Committee members and a nearby resident pressed applicants on parking, trash and security. Applicants said the building has a small on-site parking area and an existing, unenclosed trash container by a loading dock; they plan to install cameras and to submit site plans and financial information to the land-use board for review. On seating, Valley estimated indoor seating in the range of about 20–36 seats and said most orders are expected to be carryout or delivery.

Burr and Valley said they will appear before the land-use board for site-plan approvals and any required variances; they did not state a timeline for board hearings or approvals. Committee members emphasized the residential character of nearby streets and noted an adjacent bar that also operates late hours; members said they were concerned about late-night foot traffic and asked applicants to consider mitigations.

Votes at a glance

The committee adopted a consent agenda earlier in the meeting that listed multiple resolutions (resolution numbers read into the record as 2025-85 through 2025-90 and related items). The consent agenda was adopted by roll call with affirmative votes from Committee members present: Nancy Gautista (yes), Committeeman Deatsiseth (yes), Committeeman Oliver (yes), Committeeman Martinez (yes), Deputy Mayor Rafae (yes) and Mayor Roberts (yes). Specific text and effects of each listed resolution were read into the record but not detailed at length during the meeting minutes portion presented in the transcript.

What happens next

Applicants said they will submit formal site plans and pursue necessary variances with the township’s land-use board; no formal approvals were granted by the Township Committee at the meeting. The committee did not direct staff to take a specific administrative action on the application during the committee presentation; follow-up will be handled through the land-use review process.