Applebee's, Jersey Mike's, Five Guys Coming to Menifee

The first phase of the Newport Towne Square will be built just west of the Circle K market and car wash.

Construction crews are expected to begin grading a vacant lot in the next two weeks to prepare for the first phase of the Newport Towne Square project on Newport Road.

A city official confirmed today that grading permits and building plans have been approved by the Menifee Planning Commission for the first phase of the Newport Towne Square project. This development will be built on the large parcel west of the Circle K market, gas station and car wash, near the corner of Newport and Haun Roads.

Phase 1 will include three dining establishments: Applebee's, Jersey Mike's and Five Guys. Plans call for the Applebee's to be built on the far west end of the parcel. A second building between Applebee's and the Circle K would house Jersey Mike's, Five Guys and a third tenant, yet to be determined.

"This has been in the works for a while," said Jeff Wyman, economic development director for the City of Menifee. "This is a definite positive for the community. People have been asking for another sit-down restaurant, and Applebee's is a great addition in that area."

There is no timetable for completion of the project, which still must receive approval of building permits through the construction process. According to Wyman, this is just the first phase of a development that will extend well back from Newport into the huge vacant lot bordered by Newport Road, Haun Road and Avenida de Cortez.

The Newport Towne Center eventually will include retail space for several other businesses, Wyman said.

Ted Rivenbank, spokesman for Lee & Associates, said the developer plans to begin the grading process very soon. Initial permits were approved by the Planning Commission on Nov. 12.

Applebee's is famous not only for its menu selection and "Carside to Go" service, but for its decor that is customized to each location. Expect to see local high school football jerseys, photos and other memorabilia on the walls surrounding the eating areas, which usually surrounds a large bar area.

Jersey Mike's Subs has been in business since 1956 and has recently expanded in the Inland Empire. It is well known for its variety of sandwiches.

Five Guys is famous across the country for its burgers, fries and other food specialties.