Sonic Scouts Medford Location

Popular Drive-in Chain Considers Former Kiss 108 Site

Story Updated 3:42PM Sunday, March 6, 2011

Sonic, a popular drive-in restaurant chain known for its retro food, is checking out Medford for its newest Massachusetts location.

The company is considering the former location of Kiss 108 on Route 16. It has petitioned the Medford Zoning Board of Appeals to demolish the existing structure at 99 Revere Beach Parkway to make way for a 2,003 square foot building. The location would be used both as a drive-in and restaurant.

The Board of Appeals met to discuss Sonic’s request last Tuesday. According to Board Chairman Tony Arena, the March 1 meeting was a “preliminary/concept” hearing. Another public hearing is scheduled for March 22 that will include city officials such as the police and fire chief, DPW director, and other representatives from other departments such as engineering, environment, building, and community development. Sonic will submit its final plans, including a traffic study, and the Board of Appeals will render its decision after the hearing.

City ordinance requires a Site Plan Review for a drive-in restaurant, said Arena. If the Board of Appeals approves Sonic’s plan, the restaurant will have to go before the City Council for a permit to include a drive-through window.

According to Arena, Sonic said it would consider creating a boat ramp and bike path along the Malden River as part of its development.

Sonic is currently in Peabody on Route 1 and on Main Street in Wilmington.

– InsideMedford.com