Key Cars Auto Group, which plans to build the state’s first standalone Genesis auto showroom on the former Howard Johnson’s campus in Milford, has purchased the former Hooters restaurant property next door.
The Key group bought the Hooters property, at 990 Boston Post Road, from Jordan Realty LLC and principal James R. Beard for $2.8 million in a deal recorded Aug. 5.
Both parties were represented by George J. Smith & Son Commercial and Investment Real Estate group.
The 4,800-square-foot Hooters was built on 1.7 acres in 2000. The property has a total appraised value of $1.4 million.
In May, the Key group paid $5.5 million for adjoining property at 1052 Boston Post Road where the former Howard Johnson’s hotel and restaurant had been demolished.
Plans for the 24,000-square-foot Genesis of Milford showroom on that site have earned city approval, and the project will cover about four acres of the now combined 10-acre parcel that Key owns.
Chuck Dortenzio, director of operations for Key auto group, said Genesis’ plans are moving along, and he expects the showroom to be operational in the second half of 2023.
The auto group is making about a $12 million investment into the new showroom, Dortenzio said.
The company has not yet submitted development plans for the Hooters site and instead is in the due diligence phase to determine the best development strategy for that parcel.
Dortenzio said the Hooters site could be another auto group location, but the entirety of the Genesis showroom will be on the Howard Johnson’s site.
This showroom will be the only standalone Genesis dealership in Connecticut, he said. Key Auto representatives said the new showroom will create about 20 or more new jobs.
The Key group owns multiple dealer and service locations throughout Connecticut, including Key Hyundai of Milford at 566 Bridgeport Ave., and Key Hyundai of Manchester.
Genesis of Milford currently operates out of the Key Hyundai location in Milford.
Genesis is a division of the Hyundai Motor Group, which is building a $5.5 billion manufacturing complex in Georgia.
Contact Hanna at hgambini@hartfordbusiness.com
