Plans for a Hofbrauhaus franchise are continuing to move forward. Restaurateur Kevin Townsell will be operating the popular German beerhall in a building to be constructed by Benderson Development. The mixed-use complex will be built on a key parcel located just north of HarborCenter and south of the East Canal and Courtyard Marriott.

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Intentions for the establishment to anchor a building on the Benderson-owned plot have been in the works for several years. As it turns out, major power and sewer lines buried under the vacant site have held up the project, which is now targeted for 2017.

From The Buffalo News:

“Townsell and Benderson Development have been working with National Grid, National Fuel, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. and the city to get the utilities moved. Once they’ve been relocated, construction on the five-story building with a beer hall on the ground floor can begin. The building also would have two floors of offices and the top two floors of apartments, according to Eric Recoon of Benderson Development.”

The beerhall will seat around 600 people, with seating for another 300 outside. It will feature live German music and traditional German fare as well as some local cuisine.

Hofbrauhaus’ original location is in Munich, Germany, which opened in 1589. In the U.S., they have locations in Columbus, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Panama City Beach, and Newport, KY.