"Stunning" fast-food experience promised

The long-closed Coco's restaurant at 2644 El Cajon Boulevard in University Heights is finally scheduled for demolition. The site will become a Starbucks coffee shop.

Realtor Mike Clark with Cushman & Wakefield said they “had a signed lease with a tenant for a very long time.” The delay in starting construction was due to the City of San Diego's slowness in issuing the building permit, Clark said.

Specific details on the style and size of the Starbucks outlet were not available from the company, but an unnamed spokesperson emailed: “We’re always looking for great locations to meet the needs of our customers, and we are happy to confirm that we are in the very early stages of opening a new location at 2644 El Cajon Blvd.”

The 7-Eleven company had previously negotiated to build a new store at the location, but that proposal fizzled. The El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association opposed having a 7-Eleven there; the association didn't see it fitting in with infill development plans, which include upscale apartments and better restaurants.

Meanwhile, the Wendy's at 2825 El Cajon Boulevard (just west of Sonic Drive-In) is undergoing major exterior and interior building renovation. Its drive-through window remains open during construction. Wendy's saw its business suffer when the newer Sonic opened, offering a different menu and including custom shakes and carhops on skates.

The business association approved of Sonic coming in due to the retro vibe it adds to the neighborhood.

Nikki Cardinal, marketing director with franchisee Pennant Foods, LLC, said customers will "enjoy a stunning new Wendy’s experience when they visit the remodeled restaurant. Our remodel is expected to be complete early January…. Wendy’s has conducted nationwide research and studied every aspect of the customer’s experience in redesigning its restaurants."