Planning Commission approves Papa John's at 969 Sutter after neighborhood outreach
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Summary
The commission approved a conditional‑use permit for a Papa John's restaurant at 969 Sutter Street. The sponsor pledged to invest $400,000 in renovations, hire local employees and refrain from serving alcohol; commissioners asked that operatinoal conditions be attached to address parking and deliveries.
The Planning Commission granted a conditional‑use authorization July 26 allowing a Papa John’s franchise to operate at 969 Sutter Street, a vacant commercial tenant space, following staff recommendation and neighborhood outreach.
Project sponsor Paul Shamia and partner described plans to invest roughly $400,000 in interior renovations, to hire 10–15 local employees, and to operate primarily as a delivery and carry‑out restaurant. The sponsor said the owners plan to live on the premises once the building is brought up to code and pledged not to serve alcohol at the location.
Public comment included both neighborhood caution and business support. A longtime neighbor urged adding enforceable conditions on delivery vehicle parking and hours of operation; nearby merchants and community groups indicated broad local support for the new restaurant and for the owners’ community ties. Commissioners discussed whether under the city’s restaurant and formula‑retail rules beer and wine sales would require a separate review and noted the proposed floor plan leaves little room for on‑site consumption.
Commissioners moved to approve the conditional use with conditions and noted the sponsor’s commitments to avoid alcohol sales, to pursue neighborhood coordination on deliveries, and to hire locally. The motion passed unanimously.
