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Planning board approves Ugly Dumpling restaurant at former TGI Fridays site on Route 22
Summary
The Township of Springfield Planning Board granted preliminary and final site-plan conditional-use approval Dec. 15 for Ugly Dumpling at 42 Route 22, preserving the existing 154 parking spaces, requiring mill-and-repave of the lot, landscaping and coordination with board professionals on signage; opening estimated in April.
The Township of Springfield Planning Board voted Dec. 15 to approve preliminary and final site-plan conditional-use applications from Ugly Dumpling Springfield LLC to convert the former TGI Fridays site at 42 Route 22 into an Ugly Dumpling restaurant.
Applicant construction manager Sean Hu described the fast-expanding chain’s plans and operating hours — Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays to about 10:30 p.m. He said initial on-site staffing would be 60–70 people with an expected steady-state workforce of roughly 40 full-time employees.
Engineer Matthew Dwit testified that the combined property (block 3105, lots 1 and 2) totals about 87,323 square feet (2.01 acres) and that the proposal preserves the existing parking layout and 154 parking stalls while mill-and-repaving the lot, upgrading accessible parking, and refreshing landscaping and lighting. The applicant agreed to work with the board’s professionals on the pylon signage and to complete site work prior to final approvals or post a bond for seasonal planting if needed. The applicant said deliveries will use rear access with box trucks, not semi-trailers.
Board professionals confirmed the signs and lot coverage are compliant with prior approvals and noted no additional lot coverage is proposed. Members debated whether EV charging stalls were required; because no new parking spaces were being added, the board concluded EV requirements did not apply to this submission but encouraged consideration of phasing in EV infrastructure.
Vice Chairwoman Sharon Kessle moved to approve the application, a motion the board seconded and approved by roll call with all members present voting yes. The applicant expects to open in April, and the board placed standard conditions in the approval including site-work completion, landscaping, and coordination on signage.
The board closed the public portion of the hearing and congratulated the applicant. The approval includes the requirement to mill and repave the parking area, correct ADA-accessible parking as shown, and implement the proposed landscaping plan, with Mr. Disco and other board professionals authorized to work with the applicant on final technical details.
