Metro Diner, Chipotle Move Closer To Opening

Metro Diner and Chipotle Mexican Grill are slated to open in the area this November.

The two new eateries are finishing up their construction phase at site of the former Wells Fargo bank in the Lincoln Plaza shopping center near the Oxford Valley Mall in Middletown.

A Metro Diner spokesperson said the 3,700-square-foot eatery is slated to open Tuesday, November 19. It will serve all-day breakfast and also lunch and dinner.

Chipotle Mexican Grill will be opening on Wednesday, November 27, according to company spokesperson Regina Wu. The fast-casual eatery will offer free swag for the first 50 customers.

Middletown Director of Zoning and Building Pat Duffy said the two locations still have to undergo final inspections.

John Azarian, the managing partner of the southern-themed, American-style Metro Diner in Middletown, said the company hopes to turn diners into regular customers of the location.

Metro Diner, which operates a location in Bensalem and recently closed their Warminster spot, will host special pre-opening charity events leading up to their grand opening. An event to benefit nonprofit Kisses for Kyle will take place on Saturday, November 16 and one for the Children’s Tumor Foundation will get underway on Sunday, November 17. Reservations for either charity event can be made by calling 215-804-9415.

Metro Diner said the 96-seat eatery with a patio with room for 16 people will be hiring 100 employees.

Across Lincoln Plaza, construction on the building for sandwich joint Melt Shop and burger shop Five Guys continue, Duffy said.

Five Guys fills the spot that was previously claimed but later dropped by fast-casual Mediterranean eatery Zoës Kitchen.

Simon Property Group, which also owns the Oxford Valley Mall, has been working in recent years to remake Lincoln Plaza. It has added new stores, including upscale ones, and also the new eateries.

The mall owner is also looking to add 600 apartments to the property and also remake the site for the 21st century.