SPRINGFIELD – The Hurwitz family, which operates a number of restaurants in the region, is seeking to open the first Sonic Drive-In restaurant in the state, proposed on Boston Road.



Sonic, which features fast food and carhops on rollerskates, is planned at 1105 Boston Road at the entrance of the Walmart plaza. Sonic would replace the Pollo Campero restaurant. The City Council voted unanimously this week to approve a special permit for it.



The owners also need a zone change from Business A to Business B for the property, scheduled for a council hearing on Jan. 23.



Sonic has more than 3,500 franchises nationwide, but just two in New England – Wallingford and Manchester, Conn.



"It is probably one of the fastest-growing franchise restaurants in the country," said David A. Shrair, a Springfield lawyer representing the owners. Shrair was joined by business owners Stuart J. and Michael E. Hurwitz in unveiling the plans to the council.



With New England weather, the plans call for limited seating inside the restaurant, which differs from franchises in warmer climates. There is also a drive-up window.



The Hurwitz family also owns Uno's Chicago Grill and Chicago Grill restaurants at 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield, at the Holyoke Mall and in Worcester. They have also operated Pollo Campero, a chicken restaurant that struggled on Boston Road, the owners said.



In other action, the council approved a special permit for Cottage Street Liquors in East Springfield, which will allow it to operate a drive-up window for the sale of any store goods except beer and alcohol.



The permit was approved by a 10-3 vote, with some councilors concerned about products being sold from a package store window even with the restriction on alcohol.



Owner Louis F. Bonavita, in a prior petition last year, sought a permit to sell alcohol and non-alcoholic products from the drive-up window but scaled back the request as concerns were raised.



Bonavita, in seeking the new special permit, presented a petition signed by approximately 1,700 supporters of the drive-up plans. The site is a former bank and thus already has a drive-up window.



The window is a convenience for customers, Bonavita said. The items sold will include cigarettes, soda, juice, snacks, and possibly some packaged foods, he said.



Councilors who opposed the permit were Melvin A. Edwards, Clodovaldo Concepcion and E. Henry Twiggs.