New retail, restaurant site ok’d for Defiance

A new restaurant and retail site north of Defiance got the approval Monday.
The proposal presented at the planning commission meeting is from property owners Brad Mangus of Clinton Street Crossings LLC and Ken Hicks Jr. of Diverse Development.
The site is near property Hicks and Mangus currently own on North Clinton Street known as Clinton Street Crossings. The restaurant and retail site will be located next to 1601 N. Clinton St. Plans are for a 4,900-square-foot facility that will be divided into two suites. One will be a 1,700-square-foot restaurant and 3,200-square-foot retail store and a small section for a drive-thru near the restaurant.
Mangus said an agreement already has been reached to bring a Tropical Smoothie Cafe to the location, which features smoothies, wraps, specialty sandwiches and salads. Mangus said he hopes to begin construction in April or early May. It is hoped the new complex will open three months later.