Manitowoc’s mayor is explaining the process of how a new business could take over a recently closed food chain.
Mayor Justin Nickels was asked on WOMT’s Be My Guest program if anything will take over the former Wendy’s or Perkins restaurants.
He explained that a third party would reach out to the city about sign codes and other zoning.
But that doesn’t mean the city knows what the business will be.
“So we have been reached out to for those types of purposes,” he explained “But have no clue what’s going into Perkins or what is even interested in Perkins really.”
Nickels also noted that if a private business is interested in either building, if it’s zoned correctly, any group could bring whatever they’d like.
Manitowoc officials could only find out if a group takes out a building permit.
“By then, there’s nothing the city could do because it’s private business,” he noted. “It’s the private enterprise that they have the right to do then.”
Nickels says he’s not worried about sites like the Perkins or Wendy’s buildings being empty for long.
He stated it’s part of the evolution of businesses and what is sustainable in the Clipper City.
Perkins first closed its doors in January before Wendy’s permanently closed in March.
The Office Max officially closed last month, but will be turned into two stores: a Five Below and a pet store.
