New Restaurant Concept Approved; Wonder to Open in Early 2026

Burlington diners will soon have a new restaurant concept to explore. The Burlington Planning Board at their September 4 meeting approved a special permit that would pave the way for the construction of Wonder, a new dine-in and takeout style restaurant that allows customers to choose from a variety of distinct dishes from world-famous chefs. 

Representatives from Wonder, including Associate Director for Real Estate Development Jason Botcher, appeared before the Planning Board on August 21 and again at their September 4 meeting. There they addressed the Board’s questions and concerns about the proposed restaurant, which would take over approximately 3600 square feet of empty tenant space at the Village at Burlington Mall – the previous location of the Sears Tire & Battery Center. Other popular businesses in the Village include Sweetgreen and Caffé Nero.

Given this busy location, board member Jessica Sutherland raised concerns about courier and parking issues that could arise during peak lunch hours – specifically, illegal parking in ‘no parking’ zones by couriers picking up deliveries and parking lot clutter due to customers running in to pick up their online orders. 

Botcher stated the mall has agreed to install new signage that clarifies no standing is allowed except in designated areas and that employees are required to park in a separate area from customers.

He also explained that with the use of Relay, a third party delivery app utilized by Wonder to handle takeout deliveries, delayed dispatch technology will make sure that delivery drivers arrive closer to when their order is ready for pickup, rather than waiting for a longer period in a parking spot. “We want them out making deliveries, and so if they’re on site for more than five minutes that’s too long,” said Botcher. 

Planning Director Elizabeth Bonventre and Assistant Planning Director Caleb Zimmerman suggested requiring a traffic assessment from Wonder after a six- or twelve-month period in order to assess and address any problems that might arise. Planning Board Chair, Brenda Rappaport, added that a safety report from the police officer on duty, as well as an incident report detailing if any accidents or issues occurred in that area, should go along with the assessment, and Zimmerman said officers will be sent out to the location to reinforce parking rules and “issue tickets as needed,” especially during the busy lunch hour. 

The board approved the special permit with a unanimous vote, and the restaurant is estimated to open in early 2026.

Also at the September 4 Planning Board meeting:

• Pressed Café will be expanding into the space previously occupied by Mane & Mani, growing their seating from 175 to 194 seats and creating more space for customers to spread out as they wait for their orders. 
• The board is looking into EV charging stations located in the Shaw’s parking lot that don’t comply with the design guidelines of the town Center Overlay. Zimmerman said he’s working with the property owner to bring them into compliance, primarily through screening, so the design will fit in with the design standards in that area of town.

The Planning Board next meets on Thursday, September 18.