The Fort Worth City Council on Oct. 27 gave the green light to Aspen Hospitality Group’s plan for a new Japanese steakhouse in the bustling Camp Bowie Boulevard district. The 2,396‑square‑foot restaurant will sit at 2509 Merrick Street, a vacant lot at the corner of Merrick and Birchman Avenue north of Interstate 30.
Zoning waiver addresses parking concerns
Because the site lies within 250 feet of two‑family housing, city zoning rules normally require a minimum of 24 parking spaces. Aspen Hospitality requested a development waiver, and council members approved a reduced allowance of 19 spaces. The developers have also secured an agreement with an adjacent property owner for five additional off‑site spaces, bringing the total to 24 when needed.
City staff noted that the combined on‑site and off‑site parking, along with the proposed landscaping, satisfies the Zoning Ordinance, except for a termination clause that would end the off‑site agreement if the restaurant remains vacant for more than 180 days without a building permit.
Front‑yard fence exception reflects neighborhood scale
Standard zoning in the area prohibits front‑yard fencing on residential streets. The council granted a waiver allowing a masonry fence no taller than four feet, matching the modest scale of nearby lots and preserving the transition from commercial to residential uses.
“The amount of parking with the off‑site agreement and landscaping proposed are sufficient and meet the Zoning Ordinance requirements, with exception of the termination clause in the parking agreement and the 4‑foot front yard fence,” city staff wrote. “Additionally, the 2,396‑square‑foot restaurant is more in scale with the smaller lots fronting Camp Bowie Boulevard and transitioning to a residential neighborhood.”
Council member praise highlights collaborative approach
Council member Macy Hill praised Aspen Hospitality for working with the neighborhood to resolve the parking issue. “I really appreciate all the work you’ve done with the neighborhood finding parking,” Hill said. “Y’all went about this the right way.” No opposition was voiced at the meeting.
Context of recent restaurant proposals
Earlier this month, a separate restaurant proposal at the former Roy Pope Grocery building faced pushback over parking shortages. That project, located three blocks north at 2300 Merrick Street, was approved for a Southern‑style eatery after the council adjusted zoning to accommodate the new use.
In addition to the Japanese steakhouse, Aspen Hospitality announced plans for a second dining concept, a Trattoria & Pizzeria, though the location has not yet been disclosed.
What this means for the Camp Bowie area
The approval adds a new dining option to a corridor already known for its vibrant mix of businesses. By granting modest waivers and encouraging collaboration between developers and neighbors, the council demonstrates a commitment to thoughtful growth that respects both commercial vitality and residential character.
Residents can look forward to the restaurant’s opening once permits are issued and construction begins, bringing new jobs and culinary variety to the Camp Bowie community.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
