Panera Restaurant Secures Special Use Permit

A new Panera restaurant is one step closer to becoming a reality in the Sudley Manor Square Shopping Center, thanks to the efforts of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian (VF&N) land use attorney Olaun Simmons. On behalf of his client, Simmons successfully secured approval from the Prince William Board of County Supervisors for a Special Use Permit (SUP) allowing the development of a drive-through restaurant on a portion of the shopping center site.

The SUP pertains to approximately 1.16 acres located within the larger ±18.5-acre parcel at 7809 Sudley Road in Manassas (GPIN 7697-41-6415). The targeted area lies in the northwest corner of the shopping center, about 300 feet southeast of the intersection of Sudley Road and Sudley Manor Drive—a high-traffic commercial corridor.

The approved plan includes the construction of a new commercial building designed to accommodate two separate restaurant spaces divided by a common wall. The east-side tenant space, approximately 2,600 square feet, will be home to the Panera restaurant and include a drive-through feature. The west-side space, approximately 2,375 square feet, is also designated for a restaurant use but will operate without a drive-through.

Simmons guided the application through the County’s detailed land use review process, which involved coordinating with planning staff, traffic engineers, and community stakeholders. He ensured compliance with zoning and development regulations, addressed staff comments, and helped the applicant navigate key issues such as site access, vehicle circulation, queuing, and compatibility with surrounding uses.

At the Board of Supervisors hearing, Simmons presented a thorough case that demonstrated the project’s alignment with the County’s Comprehensive Plan and development goals for the area. He emphasized the economic and community benefits of bringing a high-quality restaurant brand like Panera to the site, including job creation and enhanced dining options for nearby residents and visitors.

The Board voted to approve the SUP, allowing the project to move forward to site plan and building permit stages.

With deep experience in land use law and a track record of successful entitlements across Prince William County and Northern Virginia, Simmons continues to be a trusted advocate for commercial development clients navigating complex regulatory processes.