Overview
- A 2018 policy prohibits “formula” businesses with 25 or more locations from operating in the downtown core.
- An Oct. 22 city notice acknowledged that permits were issued in error for the site at 231 Petaluma Ave.
- The franchise, owned by brothers Gurdip Singh and Harcanb Khehara who also run Little Caesars in Rohnert Park, Windsor and Santa Rosa, is slated to open this week.
- City leaders cited confusion from prior chain tenants such as Peet’s Coffee, though restaurants were not eligible for grandfathering.
- Residents are split between concerns about downtown character and support for an inexpensive option, and the city says it has added safeguards to prevent a repeat.