Acoma Boulevard Set for Major Overhaul Amid Restaurant Revamp

A Chandler-based company aims to transform the former Rebel BBQ building into a new drive-through restaurant. This transformation requires the addition of a median on Acoma Boulevard.

Architecture All & Associates presented the proposal to the Lake Havasu City Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday. The request to modify the parking-in-common master plan for a drive-through received approval with a 6-1 vote.

Commissioner Lonnie Stevenson was the sole dissenting voice, citing worries about traffic congestion and the drive-through’s short length. However, the applicant, Samir Slatewala, assured that anticipated business would likely prevent such issues.

Stevenson drew comparisons to other busy drive-throughs like Habit Burger and Starbucks that have faced significant traffic backups.

Several stipulations were attached to the approval to address traffic concerns. One key requirement is for the applicant to install a concrete median on Acoma Boulevard. City planner Trevor Kearns explained that the median aims to stop northbound drivers from making left turns into the drive-through.

Slatewala acknowledged existing issues with left turns and expressed optimism that the change would resolve these problems.

Kearns also noted that the length of the median will be determined by public works, prioritizing safety. Access to Birch Square and the drive-through will be restricted to right turns only.

The site plan suggests that the median will likely extend from Birch Square along Acoma Boulevard to the end of the drive-through entrance, eliminating left-turn access.

The drive-through addition is part of the plan to convert the old Rebel BBQ building into a Riliberto’s Mexican Restaurant.