The Taco Bell across the street from Herndon’s Worldgate Centre shopping mall is officially getting a makeover.
Earlier this week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the California-based, Mexican-inspired fast food chain’s request to demolish the existing building at 2170 Centreville Road and construct a more modern facility boasting new amenities and extended hours.
According to the application, franchise owner Virginia Restaurants plans to increase the size of the current restaurant — originally built in 1993 — from 2,380 square feet to 2,710 square feet, which will allow for a larger freezer.
In response to customer demand, the restaurant’s operating hours will be extended from 6 a.m. to midnight to 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. The new design also incorporates a double drive-thru lane that will curve around the building’s northwestern side, accommodating up to 11 vehicles.
Matt Roberts, a Hirschler attorney who represents the applicant, assured supervisors during the public hearing on Tuesday (June 25) that the new facility would only slightly increase traffic.
He projected an increase from 1,113 to 1,267 average daily trips, with 15 additional trips during the peak morning hours and 11 in the evening, accounting for nearby traffic from the nearby Crowne Dulles Plaza hotel and other retail operations.
“So, suffice it to say the overall impact is negligible,” he said.
The renovation project is set to deliver 34 parking spaces on the side, with seating for 52 customers inside and an additional 12 customers outside.
Additionally, the applicant plans to incorporate electric vehicle charging stations, decrease the impervious surface area from 88% to 83%, and revamp the stormwater management facilities.
The application was initially filed with the county in June 2023 and got a unanimously supportive recommendation from the Fairfax County Planning Commission in April.
Before endorsing the application, Dranseville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman expressed his support for the new restaurant, admitting that he was resisting the temptation to joke about the menu but affirming that the updated Taco Bell would be a valuable addition to his district.
“I think we should approve it,” he said.
Photo via Google Maps
