Driving past the Great Road Shopping Center, you may have noticed the location of the old Friendly's restaurant, at 343 Great Road, remains vacant; this vacancy will soon be filled, according to Pam Brown, the attorney representing the new tenant.

Brown said Bedford residents can soon expect to see a Chipotle residing at 343 Great Road.

The property at 343 Great Road is an important vacancy to fill, Brown said, due to the location of the property.

"This particular space is significant especially due to their visibility along Great Road," Brown said. 

The old Travelodge property at 285 Great Road, adjacent to the old Friendly's site, was a vacancy that was also a concern for the town, according to Brown.

"There has been significant concern regarding the reuse of the Travel Lodge site for fear of another fast food, unhealthy, drive through," Brown said. 

The Chipotle that will fill the vacancy at 343 Great Road will help address these concerns.

"The approval of Chipotle is welcomed by most who vision it as a healthier fast casual restaurant," Brown said. "Obviously, Chipotle will provide another dining option and support the economic development goals of the Chamber of Commerce and the town."

Bedford Town Manager Richard Reed confirmed that the vacancy at 343 Great Road would be filled by a Chipotle.

There is no time line yet for when the Chipotle at 343 Great Road will open.