Albina Sportelli

@AlbinaSportelli

The popular Chatterbox Drive-In, "Where Elvis has not left the building," may close and be replaced by a Wawa convenience store and gas station if a deal, still in the early talking stages, goes through.

Don Hall, owner of the popular 1950s-'60s-themed Augusta, Sussex County eatery told New Jersey Herald he has agreed to a contract with Wawa. He told the reporter the restaurant would be replaced by the convenience store/gas station chain, which already has a number of locations on the East Coast.

The popular, black and white-checkered restaurant accented by red, black and yellow with vinyl records hanging from the ceiling and cool hot rod cars on display, is located on Route 15 and Route 206 in Augusta. Hall said the location is better suited for a gas station and a Wawa.

In his conversation with the New Jersey Herald, Hall stressed the deal is not finalized. He said the plan still must be presented to the local land use board and if Wawa executives change their minds, the deal is void.

Either way, Hall is reported as saying the restaurant will be open for at least one more year. Hall cited his age and other demands for his time, as the reasons behind the plan.

Hall has owned Chatterbox Drive-In for 15 years. Previously, the restaurant was known as Sonny's, which was open for five years.

More:Zoning hurdles facing proposed Wawa may be self-imposed, board members say

More:25-year-old opens his second Argentinian restaurant -- this time in Hackensack

More:Middle school locked down after student finds bullet casing

Even though the company does not confirm new store locations until further in the development process, Lori Bruce, public relations manager, said Wawa, Inc. is not directly involved in the Chatterbox land development process.

"We are certain that the developer working on the project will work with the town and location officials to protect the shared interests of the community and the township as the project is considered," she said.

Wawa's real estate team, Bruce said, is working with developers and property owners to expand its presence in New Jersey. She said New Jersey is the company's "home market and very special" to the company.

Wawa will open stores in South Toms River, South Brunswick and Somerset before the end of 2017, Bruce said.

The 10.8-acre plot, registered to One to One, LLC, is assessed at $1.3 million costs about $35,000 in taxes annually, according to NJ Parcels.

Hall said he could not comment on the deal on Monday.