Aspen Hospitality Group to build Japanese steakhouse on Merrick Street

Fort Worth residents near Camp Bowie Boulevard will have a new dining option soon. The City Council approved plans on Oct. 27 for a Japanese steakhouse to open at 2509 Merrick St.

Colorado-based Aspen Hospitality Group owns the development rights for the site. The location sits at the intersection of Merrick and Birchman Avenue, just north of Interstate 30. A prior building on the lot was demolished earlier this year, leaving the space vacant.

The restaurant will occupy a 2,396-square-foot building. Aspen officials said the name and menu are currently in development. Developers amended planned development zoning to allow for neighborhood commercial uses, including the restaurant and a parking lot.

Parking requirements became a central issue because the site is within 250 feet of two-family zoning. City rules require 24 parking spaces for this type of use. The council granted a waiver allowing for 19 spaces on the lot. Developers also secured an agreement for five additional spaces from a neighboring property owner.

City staff reviewed the off-site parking deal and found it sufficient. Staffers noted that the agreement ends if the restaurant remains vacant for more than 180 days without a building permit. They also stated the building size fits the scale of smaller lots along Camp Bowie Boulevard and the transition to the residential area.

Council member Macy Hill praised the developers for working with the neighborhood to solve parking issues. She told the group, “I really appreciate all the work you’ve done with the neighborhood finding parking. Y’all went about this the right way.” No one opposed the measure during the meeting.

The project also includes a front-yard masonry fence. Zoning officials allowed the fence, which will be no taller than 4 feet, despite restrictions on nearby residential streets. The density of the fence will not exceed 50%. Aspen Hospitality is also planning a second Fort Worth location, Trattoria & Pizzeria, though that site has not been announced.