Plan commission approves retractable screens for Texas Roadhouse patio in Oak Creek

The Oak Creek Plan Commission on Feb. 25 approved exterior modifications that formalize retractable screens and a screen door enclosing the existing patio at the Texas Roadhouse at 1489 West Bristol (Lehi Broadrick Place).

City staff presented renderings showing the screens in both raised and lowered positions and noted the screens are retractable rather than a permanent solid wall. Nick Kalinski, managing partner for the Texas Roadhouse location, told the commission the screens are vinyl, motorized, fire-retardant, provide airflow at the bottom and are intended to improve customer comfort in variable weather.

Why it matters: The modifications regularize an installed feature that the restaurant had begun using; staff said the screens were installed by the builder but not previously approved. The commission’s approval carries conditions that all relevant code requirements and the plan unit development conditions approved Feb. 10, 2022, remain in effect.

Commissioners focused questions on emergency egress, ventilation and materials. Kalinski said the patio’s exit door is marked as an emergency exit and the screens are not sealed at the bottom, allowing airflow; the building also has ceiling ventilation and fans. Staff told commissioners the fire department had reviewed the situation and raised no concerns.

The commission approved the exterior modification by roll call. The approval requires continued compliance with existing plan-unit-development approvals and municipal code standards.

Votes at a glance: Exterior modification approval — recommended to Common Council/approved by commission (roll call affirmative).