Changes to building plans causes another Steak ‘n Shake delay
Of all the different retail news I try to keep track of, there is one development that many readers frequently request I look into. That’s the construction (or lack thereof) of the Steak ‘n Shake restaurant at Crossroads Mall.
Construction on the restaurant has been delayed several times. It was first scheduled to begin in September. Then, delays in opening several other restaurants in Virginia bumped construction back to March.
Now into the first week of April, there’s still no sign of work at the pad site, next to McDonald’s off Hershberger Road.
Tuesday afternoon I spoke with Lee Garvin, the franchisee’s director of real estate and development. He said the corporate office requested the franchisee make several changes to the building plan, which has delayed the project again. He now expects work to begin in 30 to 45 days. If it gets started on time, we can expect a late August or early September opening.
“We are trying to do our best to get this going,” Garvin said. “We’re looking forward to getting there.”



Ugh I need my Steak n’ Shake fix! I don’t want to have to drive to Greensboro!
BTW, thanks for the update Amanda.
Thank you for answering my question yesterday, and for the update today !
Amanda,
Have you heard anything about a Cook Out coming to Roanoke? The Blacksburg location seems to be doing very well and they appear to be expanding all over Virginia.
@David: I haven’t heard anything about Cook Out locating in Roanoke, but I’d be happy to check.
Are you sure Steak N’ Shake is a hamburger place, because these delay stories are beginning to sound a little “fishy” to me.
Amanda,
I noticed some activity at the old Zaks Cafe on Campbell Ave while on my daily walk recently. Another eatery going in perhaps
Thanks, Tim. I’ll check for building permits, or see if I can track down the owner of the building.
Thanks for the update on Steak and Shake. Any news of a proposed Bonefish Grill to come here? They are part of the Outback/Carrabas chain.
@Blumax: I’ve been hearing rumors about that for months, but haven’t been able to confirm anything.
Have you heard anything about Double Dragon restaurant in Market Square North? An acquantance told me they were closed up and the place looked empty earlier in the week.
@shelly: I haven’t, but I’ll try to find out what’s going on.
@shelly: I talked with the property owner, who said the Double Dragon space has been for lease since April 1. He wouldn’t talk about why the restaurant closed. I’ve not been able to get in touch with the restaurant’s owners.
I see that the Roanoke city building permit which was issued for the new Steak ‘N Shake restaurant on Hershberger Road was allowed to expire on July 26th of last year. Since they haven’t applied for a new one since then, I am having serious doubts that this project is going forward anytime soon.
@Earl: The permit was issued on July 26, 2011, but you’re right, it has expired and I don’t see anything new filed either. It could be that the franchisee is waiting on the new building plans to apply for a new building permit. When I talked to the franchisee the beginning of April, they said construction should start within 45 days. We’re just about to that 45 day mark, so I’ll give them a call and see if I can get an update.