ONTARIO, Ohio — Rumors of different restaurants sprouting on the 60-plus acre property behind Sam’s Club are spreading throughout the town and surrounding area faster than Towneplace Suites owner Raj Chandat can complete construction of the new 86-room hotel.
However, mayor Randy Hutchinson said he cannot verify whether Cracker Barrel or Quaker Steak and Lube — the two restaurants rumored to be coming to Ontario — will build near the hotel, Towneplace Suites by Marriott.
Chandat said construction is expected to be complete by late March and the hotel will employ around 25 to 30 employees both full and part-time.
He could not confirm if either restaurant plans to build on the property.
“If we have the opportunity, we’ll take it. But we don’t have anything solid right now,” Chandat said.
The Ontario resident has been in the hotel business for 20 years — he also owns Country Inn and Suites off Walker Lake Road, which he built 11 years ago. The businessman also opened up a Valero gas station at the Home Road and West Fourth Street intersection in Mansfield recently.
“I’ve lived in Ontario for 10 years now and I see the town is growing. So I thought there is a need for the hotel. And it’s an extended stay, so it will be different from the other ones,” Chandat said.
The extended-stay hotel includes a mini putt-putt golf course, an outdoor pool and sitting area with a fire pit.
But the hotel is only the first of many future plans for the property. Chandat has a vision for the property. That vision, he said, includes restaurants of all sorts and department stores. He said he is currently in contact with CBRE, a real estate firm with corporate offices throughout the world and United States.
The 60-plus acre property is divided into several parcels, according to Mark A. Weidemyre, Ontario city council member and director of the Ontario Growth Corporation.
He said he hopes more retail businesses, along with the possible restaurant development, will consider building.
“Maybe even an additional senior living facility,” said Weidemyre.
The $6 million build was made possible by the 30-year tax increment financing agreement between the city and Ontario schools. The TIF is expected to rake in $10 million worth of infrastructure for three zones, including Ferguson Road, which has been extended to provide access to the hotel.
Hutchinson said he is excited for the opportunities in the Ferguson TIF zone’s future.
“I think it’s going to take off nice,” he said.
