Revised Dining Definitions May Open Doors for New Restaurants

What will restaurants in West Bloomfield look like in the future? The township Planning Commission considered amending a zoning ordinance to update the definitions of restaurants at its meeting Tuesday night in

According to senior planner Sara Roediger, the amendment would change line items in Chapter 26 of the West Bloomfield Code of Ordinances to define restaurants in these four ways:

• Standard: Whether cafeteria-style or with a wait staff, standard restaurants in West Bloomfield would serve food on permanent tableware. Examples of standard restaurants in West Bloomfield under this definition would include and
• Carryout: Carryout restaurants in West Bloomfield would serve food primarily in disposable containers for the purpose of consumption off the premises. Examples of carryout restaurants in West Bloomfield would include and
• Drive-in: Drive-in restaurants in West Bloomfield would serve food for patrons to consume in their vehicle. Examples of drive-in restaurants, which are not necessarily in West Bloomfield presently, would include Sonic and A&W. The definition of a drive-in restaurant would eliminate the current definition of a fast-food restaurant.
• Drive-through: Drive-through restaurants would offer food through a window in disposable containers. Examples of drive-through restaurants, not necessarily in West Bloomfield presently, would include McDonald’s and Burger King.

Currently, restaurants as we know them are defined by many different standards in the township, including coffee shops, delis and bars. However, a restaurant — as currently defined in West Bloomfield — must serve food on nondisposable tableware.

Roediger said a motive for establishing new definitions is to accommodate “modern” restaurants, including those that already have moved into the township (such as Five Guys), which serve food in disposable containers for consumption indoors or out. “We want to make it easier for these types of restaurants to come in to the township,” Roediger said Tuesday.

She made it clear that the new amendment would not allow for a change in definition for where drive-through restaurants would be allowed at a rate any greater than they are. Drive-through restaurants are permitted only in the B-4 district on Cooley Lake Road and along certain sections of Haggerty Road.

A public hearing will be called June 14 to discuss the possible amendment, after which it would go to the township board for approval.

Redcoat Tavern to increase outdoor seating

Members of the Planning Commission unanimously approved a decision to change the number of seats permitted in the approved outdoor dining area of from 18 to 40.

J. Mark Brown, owner of the popular restaurant on Orchard Lake Road, south of Maple Road, said he has purchased new, smaller tables since last summer to accommodate increasing number of seats as demand for outdoor seating has increased. He also would supplement the outdoor seating area with the planting of eight trees.

“It looks like a positive thing when you drive by on Orchard Lake Road, and you see a restaurant this good and everyone is outside,” commission member Jim Manna said. “It makes us look like we’re doing well.”