Hungry, hungry Havelock

Havelock’s hunger for new restaurants has prompted requests from a toasted sub shop and casual dining chain to open their doors.

Sujit and Minal Naik have applied for a special exception use permit to open a Quiznos Sub franchise in the Roosevelt Boulevard plaza that houses Sujit Naik’s Select Auto Sales dealership. City commissioners will consider the request after a hearing and recommendation from the Havelock Planning Board.

Tripp Blandford, owner of the Ham’s in New Bern, has requested a sewer allocation to open a Ham’s Restaurant on U.S. 70 beside the Hampton Inn.

The Naiks’ plans to open a Quiznos have been in the works for months. Minal Naik, Sujit’s wife, has attended a six-week Quiznos franchisee training course and has been approved to serve as manager of the 1,250 square-foot store.

Because the Roosevelt Boulevard property lies within the accident potential zone and air installation compatible use zone overlay district, certain types of commercial development require a Special Exception Use 1 permit. Havelock approved AICUZ plans to protect Cherry Point from encroachment that could prevent further expansion.

Scott Chase, Havelock director of planning and inspections, said that businesses such as car dealerships and music stores are permitted in the AICUZ overlay district, while others, including restaurants and bookstores, would require a special exception from city leaders.

If approved, Havelock’s Quiznos Sub would offer seated dining for about 20 customers, carry-out and delivery service and may eventually offer curbside pickup for Cherry Point Marines with uniform restrictions that would prevent them from ordering inside.

Plans for development within the AICUZ overlay district sometimes meet resistance from Cherry Point officials wishing to protect the air station. Cherry Point opposed a developer’s bid to open a Walgreens pharmacy on an East Main Street parcel that falls within the APZ and AICUZ.

Havelock commissioners voted 4-1 to deny the request for a Special Exception Use 1 permit at their Jan. 26 regular meeting.

Minal Naik encourages those who support the restaurant to attend Planning Board and commissioners meetings and voice their opinions.

Blandford said his plans for a Havelock store developed as business increased at Ham’s in the James City community.

“We have a lot of Havelock business in our store in New Bern, and we just feel it would be a prudent investment,” he said. “We plan on doing in Havelock what we’re doing in New Bern — offering people a good product at a good price. Hopefully, we’ll be successful.”

Ham’s is eyeing a 2-acre parcel adjacent to the Hampton Inn where Earthworks currently stands. Blandford said the restaurant would offer seating for 280 people and hire up to 80 employees.

Havelock’s Ham’s could be open as early as next February if city leaders approve the 11,200 gallon per day sewer allocation, Blandford said. He said he understands commissioners’ need to reserve as much sewer flow as possible.

“We’re looking to invest about $2 million in Havelock,” he said. “If they grant it to us, that’s great, if not, we’ll understand.”