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Davie CRA authorizes staff to negotiate lease with Lester's Diner after unanimous vote
Summary
The Town of Davie Community Redevelopment Agency voted unanimously to authorize staff to negotiate a non‑binding letter of intent with Lester's Diner LLC for two restaurants at Southwest 43rd Street and Davie Road; the proposal describes about $5 million in investment and as many as 100 jobs.
The Town of Davie Community Redevelopment Agency on a unanimous vote authorized staff to negotiate a non‑binding letter of intent with Lester's Diner LLC to locate two adjacent restaurants — Lester's Diner and the Branding Iron — at the southwest corner of Southwest 43rd Street and Davie Road.
Debbie Thomas, the town's economic development manager, told the board the letter of intent, submitted June 22, outlines two 5,000‑square‑foot restaurants with a combined investment of approximately $5,000,000 and the potential to create up to 100 new jobs. "The letter of intent before you signifies Lester's interest but the document itself is non binding," Thomas said, adding that any lease or improvements are subject to final negotiation, due diligence, funding availability, public notice, legal compliance, CRA board approval and town council approval.
The town attorney read the resolution by title before the vote, describing it as an authorization for the CRA board chair to sign the letter of intent and for CRA staff to negotiate and draft a lease agreement with Lester's Diner LLC. The resolution, as read, also included standard severability and conflict provisions and an effective date.
During the public comment period, Tula Mana identified herself and urged support for the project, saying she remembered Lester's Diner as a long‑standing local brand and wishing the company success. "I wish them success. Congratulations to everybody. And a 100 jobs," Mana said.
A board member moved to approve the letter of intent authorization and another member seconded. The clerk called the roll; the motion passed on a unanimous vote.
The CRA also approved the minutes on the consent agenda earlier in the meeting and voted to reschedule its November 4 meeting to November 18. The chair thanked Public Works and the Police Department for their monthly activity reports before adjourning the meeting.
The LOI is non‑binding; any lease, sale, improvement, funding or permitting decisions will require separate approvals from the CRA board and town council and are contingent on customary legal and funding reviews.
