By Sara Beth Williams–
The site of a long-vacant restaurant in Citrus Heights that was being demolished for several weeks has been cleared down to its foundation as of Friday.
The now-demoed site was once home to a Marie Callender’s restaurant which occupied the high-traffic spot on Sunrise Boulevard for decades before abruptly closing in 2019. The prominent sign at the top of the embankment has also been covered with black tarp on both sides.
Demolition began at the end of August after the site was approved earlier in the summer to be demolished. A new owner of the site has submitted and received approval preliminary plans that would allow a drive thru to be constructed, with up to two drive thru lanes to occupy the site.
“Today, we said goodbye to a true Citrus Heights icon,” Sunrise MarketPlace business improvement district wrote on its social media page on Aug. 28, after the beginning of demolition of the 10,000-square-foot restaurant.
The restaurant and bakery, famous for its pies, was built in 1978 and opened in the early 80s, according to Sunrise Marketplace. The triangular roof and familiar restaurant signage were a staple fixture in the community for those driving along the busy boulevard over so many years.
During a Planning Commission meeting in June, Sunrise MarketPlace Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter said she tried for five years using three different brokers to find another sit-down restaurant to take up residency in the vacant space, but had no luck.
Patterson Properties purchased the vacant property and then submitted a proposal to demolish the property and construct a smaller quick-service restaurant. The plans submitted called for two drive-thru lanes, sparking controversy among community members and at least one restaurant owner.
Related: Demolition on Citrus Heights restaurant begins after years of vacancy – Citrus Heights Sentinel
A new restaurant tenant has not been announced by either Patterson Properties or Sunrise MarketPlace. A sign advertising the property is available for “ground lease” has been placed in front of the property.
