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The former Red Lobster location at the Geneva Commons, which has been vacant since late 2024, could be torn down to make room for a Shake Shack and a CAVA.
Proposed plans show both restaurant chains as tenants in a new three-unit building on the site. The Geneva Planning and Zoning Commission will discuss the project during its Thursday (10/8) meeting.
Here's what to know:
Building plans: Documents show that the developer plans to demolish the old Red Lobster restaurant and construct a single-story brick building split into three spaces. The plans show Shake Shack, CAVA, and a retail tenant yet to be named.
The tenants: Shake Shack is a multinational, fast-casual chain known for burgers and shakes. CAVA is a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant chain known for pitas, bowls, and dips.
Drive-thru for pickups: Plans show that CAVA would get a drive-thru lane specifically for customers who order ahead in the CAVA app.
Tree replacement: City code requires developers to plant replacement trees when they remove existing ones. Due to limited space, the developer can plant only a small share of what's required and is asking to pay about $5,800 to the city’s tree fund instead. The developer is also asking to plant nine trees in the parking lot instead of the required 19.
Documents show that city staff recommend approval. The commission will make a recommendation, and the City Council will have the final vote.
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