MANSFIELD — Dan Lew was given the green light to move ahead with his plans for outdoor dining at 28 N. Main St. in downtown Mansfield.
City council on Tuesday approved legislation that grants a license to Lew’s operation, known as Dan Lew Exchange, to use the public right-of-way for the installation of fencing and outdoor furniture.
Dan Seckel, of Seckel Group Architects, discussed Lew’s plans at a previous city council meeting. He intends to have fencing installed on the sidewalk that abuts North Park Street and the restaurant to allow for dining within that fenced area, which would include three exits.
Seckel said the fencing would be relatively low and would be bolted to the ground, and could be removed during winter months if need be.
Another option under consideration is the addition of staggered fencing within the curved sidewalk area at the corner of North Main and North Park streets to allow for more outdoor dining.
“There’s not much happening in that little plaza area right now,” Seckel said. “There’s two trees and that’s it.
“We see that as a possible opportunity to establish some additional sidewalk dining.”
Mayor Tim Theaker and members of council voiced their approval of the project, saying it would be a nice addition to the downtown.
Lew, chef and owner of China Club, announced earlier this year that he would be taking over Pickens’ business at 28 N. Main St., which will include a restaurant (called Cafe on Main) that serves lunch and dinner, in addition to its catering services (called Deluxe Catering and Events).
The restaurant, which is tentatively scheduled to open in September, will offer lunch items such as soups, salads, sandwiches and New York style pizza by the slice. Dinner options will range from steak to seafood, with cuisines that represent a variety of cultures, such as Spanish, Mexican and Asian.
Before opening China Club in 2003, Lew operated his own deli and catering service, Paisley Park, on Lexington Avenue. He also previously owned a liquor store before selling it to Kroger.
Last September, he sold the popular restaurant ABC Kitchen, which opened early last year in Lexington.
