WANTED: Chipotle in Minnetonka

Since mid-February, 664 people have joined a group on Facebook to petition the city of Minnetonka to allow a Chipotle Mexican Grill location on County Road 101 near Highway 7.

The petition states: “They're looking for a business to move into the building where Blockbuster used to be (in front of the ). Both the city and Target have to approve it, being that it is Target's land and the city's... well, city. Chipotle wanted to open a store there and Target was in favor of it. The city opposed it, claiming there is already too much fast food in that area. So we are starting a petition to change the city's mind. PLEASE FOWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS.”

Julie Wischnack, the city’s community development director, said it's a rumor.

“The owners do not communicate the potential tenants,” she said and added they have not heard anything about a Chipotle location.

On March 1, the city’s planning commission agreed to recommend that the city council approve a conditional use permit for a fast food restaurant with drive-up facilities and a four-table outdoor eating area at the location (4754 County Road 101).

The applicant, Eric Bjelland, has not identified the tenant because they are still negotiating with potential tenants of the two remaining tenant spaces.

The city has issued a building permit for one of the four tenant spaces, which will be occupied by a Pro-Cuts hair salon.

The building is part of the original 7-Hi Shopping Center development, but is located on its own parcel of land. The building was previously occupied by Blockbuster Video. In January 2012, the city issued a building permit to divide the single tenant building into .

There is an existing  location in Minnetonka's Ridgedale Shopping Center at the south entrance.