Sign Board approves Ryze Souffle sign variance, limits to option 2 and menu board

The Sign Board voted 5-2 to approve a sign variance for Ryze Souffle (SB-2053) at 2001 West Southlake Boulevard, Suite 155, specifically approving sign option 2 and a front-facing menu board.

Staff explained the request sought sign types that are not allowed in the site’s zoning. Staff said the ordinance would permit a maximum sign area of 25 square feet for the site if an allowed sign type were used, and that the three flat-panel options proposed measure approximately 47, 62 and 78.3 square feet. Staff also said flat-panel panels in nonindustrial zoning are limited to neutral colors and that menu-board placement is normally restricted to the side or rear of a principal building; the applicant requested a menu board at the front door.

Applicant Chris Florzak described the sign’s design as a historic Parisian “arrondissement” street-sign mock-up used throughout the business’s locations and said the brand has installed similar signs in other markets. He said the sign would use low-intensity lighting ("27 Kelvin watt or below") and that the design is intended to be “tasteful” and not loud.

Board members divided over the flat-panel format. Several said option 2 best fit the building’s pediment and that option 3 was oversized for the site. One member said approving the flat panel style could set an unwelcome precedent; another supported option 2 and the menu board. The motion to approve SB-2053 specifically noted sign option 2 and approval of the menu board and passed on a 5-2 vote. The board advised the applicant to bring examples of installed signs to the next council meeting on March 4 for additional context.