Planning commission recommends Firebirds restaurant for Creve Coeur Pavilion

The Creve Coeur Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 6 recommended approval of a conditional use permit and minor site development plan for a Firebirds Wood Fired Grill to occupy the former California Pizza Kitchen at 10590 Old Olive Street Road, forwarding the application to the City Council with a positive recommendation.

Mike Williams, general manager of the Firebirds location in St. Charles, introduced the restaurant and said the chain operates in 22 states with 65 locations and is known for a wood-fire grill and outdoor dining amenities. "My name is Mike Williams. I am the general manager of the Firebirds location right down in Saint Charles," he said during the hearing.

Bethany Moore, the city planner, told the commission the site is in the Creve Coeur Pavilion development and in the General Commercial zoning district, and that full-service restaurants require a conditional use permit. Moore said the project proposes two additions to the existing building, including a patio that would feature Firebirds' signature fire feature. "So there will be a 183 indoor seats and, 25 employees at busiest shift," she said, and she noted that the 44 outdoor seats on the patio do not count toward required parking.

Moore reported the development currently has 949 shared parking spaces, that the Firebirds use would require 87 spaces, and that the overall site shows an excess of roughly 310 parking spaces. She also reviewed landscaping updates, replacement of removed street trees, irrigation checks and standard staff conditions. Moore said signage will be handled under a separate staff-level permit and that existing ADA access will remain unchanged and will be checked at the building-permit stage.

Architect Carolina Martinez of Start Design described design elements, materials and lighting, and showed images of the proposed patio and an enclosed glass fire feature. "I'm Carolina Martinez. I'm with Start Design. We're the architects," she said. Martinez also discussed the bar addition and exterior finishes.

During questions, the applicant clarified the fire used for cooking is inside with proper ventilation and that the patio will be covered and likely include heating elements but will not be enclosed. The applicant said construction-permit submittal is planned soon and that construction is expected to start in January.

Mary Schnellman, acting city attorney, offered the exhibits used at the hearing, including public notice, the staff report, draft ordinance, the PowerPoint presentation, the city code and the city comprehensive plan.

A motion to recommend approval of the conditional use permit and minor site development plan — with the hours of operation presented at the hearing added to the conditions of approval — was made and seconded. The chair called the roll and several commissioners voted in favor; the motion passed. Commissioners recorded saying "Aye" in the roll call were Mister Bielter, Miss O'Brien, Miss Richter and Mister Tomlinson; the chair also announced an affirmative vote. The commission directed that the item be forwarded to the City Council for final review and introduction next Monday at 7:30 p.m.

The staff report and draft ordinance will accompany the item to the council. The commission's action is a recommendation; final approval requires City Council action.