Checkers and Rally's looks at old Taco Bell building in Penn Hills

A restaurant developer wants to move into a vacant property that used to be a Taco Bell along Frankstown Road in Penn Hills.

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. submitted a site plan to the municipality’s planning department. A public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 27.

The company wants to develop a vacant property at 11749 Frankstown Road.

The original site plan included plans to demolish the existing building to construct a new 950-square-foot restaurant, said Planner Meg Balsamico.

“But everything is tentative now because they are still having the property evaluated,” Balsamico said. “They could build a new one, do a complete renovation or just keep a portion of the building.”

Either way, the Checkers and Rally’s will only have a drive-thru window with some outdoor seating. Balsamico said the outdoor seating area will have a window where customers can order food.

The restaurant sells burgers, hot dogs, wings, fries and shakes, according to its website.

The owners of the existing building on Frankstown Road are listed as Philip and Sandra Coblitz, who bought the property for $130,000 in 2007. Coblitz could not be reached for comment.

Mark Fickley, who is listed as the restaurant’s representative, did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Dillon Carr is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Dillon at 412-871-2325, dcarr@tribweb.com or via Twitter @dillonswriting.