Residents share what restaurants they want to see in Citrus Heights

Updated June 24, 10:14 a.m.–
By Sara Beth Williams– A recent survey conducted by the Sunrise MarketPlace revealed strong community interest in welcoming new dining options to the business district.

The informal survey, posted on June 6 on the business district’s social media page, garnered nearly 70 responses.

Out of 69 comments as of press time, the most popular restaurant requests were for a healthy buffet option like Fresh Choice and for a Cheesecake Factory. Other popular comments included requests to bring back Benihana’s, requests for BJ’s Brewhouse and Jack’s Urban Eats, and requests for a good barbecue restaurant. Others wanted small businesses as opposed to chain restaurants, and comments were mixed regarding fast food. Two commenters specifically opposed adding more chicken restaurants.

Sunrise MarketPlace Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter told The Sentinel that the district has a few vacant buildings they are looking to fill and said the survey was posted to “get a sense” of what followers were interested in. Carpenter added that the results of the survey were sent to several brokers who currently work with business owners.

A handful of smaller eateries are planning to open throughout Citrus Heights, some of them within the Sunrise MarketPlace district, including Pinkberry and Teriyaki Madness.

“We know our community would love to see more sit-down, non-chain restaurants,” a city spokesperson told The Sentinel on Monday, adding that the ability to attract restaurants heavily depends on available real estate and its condition.

In an effort to attract new businesses, the city previously launched a Business Attraction Incentive Program with the goal of “enhancing its competitiveness” in attracting new businesses, such as restaurants and breweries.

According to the city, restaurant spaces in good condition back-fill quickly, which makes it difficult for non-chain small businesses to consider sites that require build-out or extensive construction because of the high cost of construction.

“The program was designed to help eligible businesses with relocation, operating costs, equipment, or other associated costs,” the city said via email, adding that the program expires at the end of June.

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect comments made both for and against fast food.