Updated 9:25 p.m. – The Prince William County Planning Commission has voted to approve the development of two new restaurants at Sudley Manor Square near Manassas — a Panera Bread with a drive-through and a Dave’s Hot Chicken. The proposal, listed as a Special Use Permit, will now move to the Prince William Board of County Supervisors for a final decision.
The eateries will share a 4,975-square-foot building, with one featuring a drive-through and the other operating without one. The east-side restaurant, measuring 2,600 square feet, will include a drive-through service, while the west-side restaurant, at 2,375 square feet, will be walk-in only.
The project site is located at 7809 Sudley Road, within the Sudley Manor Square Shopping Center, approximately 300 feet southeast of the intersection of Sudley Road and Sudley Manor Drive. The area is zoned B-1 (General Business District) and falls under the MU-4 Mixed-Use designation in the Sudley Road Redevelopment Corridor.
The new restaurants aim to open following the closure of an Amazon Fresh grocery store on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
Key Conditions & Considerations
During the March 12, 2025, Planning Commission meeting, the proposal was reviewed with several conditions to address traffic flow, noise control, and environmental impact.
Traffic & Safety Measures:
- A designated drive-through lane with separate entrance and exit points.
- Stop lines and signage to prevent congestion.
- Off-peak hours required for deliveries to minimize disruption.
Noise & Operating Hours:
- The drive-through speaker system must not exceed noise limits beyond the property.
- Both restaurants, including the drive-through, may operate 24/7.
Environmental Commitments:
- Landscaping must use 85% native plant species.
- A $75 per acre contribution will be made to support water quality monitoring and drainage improvements.
Public Safety Contributions:
- A $0.61 per square foot fee will be allocated to fire and rescue services, amounting to approximately $3,034.
Community & Planning Commission Input
No public opposition to the proposal was recorded as of the Planning Commission’s review. The Commission voted to recommend approval, though the exact vote tally was not immediately available.
With the Planning Commission serving an advisory role, the final decision now rests with the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, which is expected to review the proposal at an upcoming meeting, before June 12, 2025.
If approved, the developer, Princeton Virginia, LLC, must submit a site plan within one year and begin operations within five years.
