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Board approves Conditional Use for Lafayette Hill smoothie and bowls restaurant
Summary
After a Conditional Use hearing, the Whitemarsh Board approved a grab‑and‑go smoothie and acai bowl shop at 428 Germantown Pike; the operator said hours will be about 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and staff expects one to two employees on site.
The Whitemarsh Township Board approved Conditional Use #02‑06 on a quasi‑judicial record to allow a smoothie and acai bowl restaurant to operate at 428 Germantown Pike.
Solicitor Sean Kilkenny conducted preliminary matters and marked exhibits; Zoning Officer Charlie Gutenplan said restaurants are permitted in the VC‑1 Village Commercial District by Conditional Use where criteria are met. The applicant’s attorney presented site plans, a floor plan and a rendering for a small, grab‑and‑go operation in an end unit of Lafayette Hill Shopping Center.
Tim Spinner, one of the proposed operators, was sworn and adopted the attorney’s offer of proof. Spinner said the business expects one to two employees on site at typical operating hours of about 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., that the operation will be in‑and‑out (no drive‑through), that no exterior improvements are proposed beyond signage, and that peak activity is expected in the morning, lunch and after‑school periods.
Board members asked about hours and parking. Resident Tom Doll, speaking during public comment, urged attention to afternoon congestion when youth sports are underway and asked that employees park in the rear to preserve front spaces and suggested considering extended summer hours for events. Spinner said the use is primarily grab‑and‑go and that a bench could be added if allowed.
The hearing was closed and the board approved the Conditional Use by voice vote.
