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.
“I appreciate all the help from the attorney Olaun Simmons. Thanks to his help that he gave us during our judicial process where we could resolve our case in a satisfactory way. We were facing a zoning violation with Fauquier County due to not having a site plan for the property. In the process of creating the site plan for county approval there were multiple easements and deeds with other parties that had to be made and multiple court hearings to deal with since the county did not give us much of an opportunity to finish the site plan. Olaun did not put us to the side or lower our prioritization. He took our case with great care and always advised us on all possibilities. ”
“Bob (Robert) has practiced these many years following what he observed from Judge Sinclair; he is always respectful of the attorneys and parties in a case; well versed in his subject matter; and always the consummate professional.”
“First off, Bradley was very kind, empathetic, and personable. He explained the process to me and gave his opinion of what should be done and how we would achieve that goal. I followed through with his suggestions and he was spot on with his knowledge by getting my case dismissed without ever even having to go to my court date! Very effective! We are now going for expungement. I would definitely recommend Bradley for his demeanor and know-how of the legal system. Five stars.”
“Olaun Simmons is smart, aggressive, thoroughly prepared and simply an outstanding attorney.”
“Bradley helped me with a terrible mistake that I had made and was terrified for the outcome. With his experience and professionalism he helped me get the best possible result for my situation. He was very knowledgeable about different avenues on how to approach my incident. He took the time to check in on me from our first meeting all the way through court and now follows up with me. I would highly recommend his service to anyone.”
“Ms. Kris Spitler is unique in that she has an outstanding ability to summarize issues for senior management in a way that includes the significant elements of the matter and what should be done to remedy or bring to closure what is being considered.”
“I reached out to Brad to represent me in a legal matter that could have resulted in unfavorable circumstances for my professional career. He immediately guided me through the legal process along with my options and possible outcomes. He was organized, professional and knowledgeable. I couldn’t be happier with the results made possible by his legal services.”
“With Mike Vanderpool’s zoning and planning expertise, The Pyramid Companies were successful in establishing relationships within Prince William County and were able to effectively obtain site plan approval for the expansion of Manassas Mall.”
“I have a consultation with Mr. Marshall after my DUI and hit & run. After that meeting, I knew he would be the perfect lawyer to help me maneuver my situation and get the best possible outcome, so I hired him. Brad was very meticulous from start to finish and provided me with very specific information on his approach and even offered me detailed information on things I could do myself to help with the outcome. We worked very well together and had constant communication during the four months it took to resolve my case. He went out of his way to make this difficult time as seamless as possible for myself and my family. The final outcome of a DUI (.19) and hit & run was a dismissal of the hit and run and the DUI was reduced to a reckless driving offense. I could not have hoped for a better outcome. Brad’s professionalism and tireless efforts made this possible, and I most certainly recommend hiring him!”
“It’s interesting how I ended up hiring Brad as my defense attorney. I met him when he was a CA, but as soon as I found out he became a defense attorney, I knew I wanted no one but him to represent me for my case. He was great at communicating every step in the process, letting me know exactly what to expect, and got the job done quickly.
After hiring Brad as my defense attorney, I felt the anxiety go away, as knew I was in good hands. My response every time when friends and coworkers asked how I could be so calm about my case was this: “If there ever was an attorney to have in my corner for what I’m dealing with, he is it.” Everyone’s case is different, but even though mine was pretty odd and a bit difficult, Brad was able to sort out the mess and make sense of it all.
I highly recommend Brad if you’re looking for a professional, experienced, and dedicated defense attorney!”
“Kris, Thank you for the incredibly thorough and professional job you did conducting our investigation. We felt like our case was your priority …. The care you took to make our employees feel comfortable was appreciated. We feel confident in the decisions we made based on your findings and professional recommendations which you helped us discern through conversation.”