AutoZone coming to Norwalk

Norwalk will welcome a new automobile parts store in the upcoming months.

AutoZone has submitted plans to build a 7,381-foot building at 196 Milan Ave., the former site of Casa Fiesta and a number of restaurants before that, according to the city zoning office.

As part of the permit, AutoZone had 30 days to demolish the restaurant, which most recently housed the short-lived Taco Loco. That demolition took place Tuesday.

"They razed that building, that was a plus," City Councilman Dwight Tkach said. "That used to be the old Burger Chef a long time ago. It's good to see old buildings coming down and new ones going up."

Originally built for Burger Chef, the restaurant served as the home of Rax, Long John Silver's, Po Folks, Casa Fiesta and finally Taco Loco.

Tkach said he supports anyone trying to run a business.

"I wish them luck," he said. "It seems like it is a very competitive business, but this must be a good market for auto parts."

AutoZone will join several other Norwalk stores specializing in auto parts, including Action Auto Supply at 66 Cleveland Road, Advance Auto Parts at 225 Milan Ave., Federated Auto Parts at 75 Cline St., Midway Parts Company at 51 N. Hester St., Napa Auto Parts at 230 Republic St. and Parts Distributors at 10 Williams Ave.

"I think there is more demand for parts because people are keeping their cars longer," Tkach said.

Tkach said with a new building, property taxes will go up.

"It's a win-win for Norwalk," he said.

"I give a lot of credit to anyone starting or running a business in this economy," he added. "Upgrading that property is a win-win and they will hire some people."

AutoZone marked its 30th anniversary last year, having started as Auto Shack in Forrest City, Ark. in 1979. Today, there are more than 3,600 AutoZone stores nationwide, according to the company's Web site, http://www.autozoneinc.com.

Councilman Chris Mushett said he is familiar with AutoZone.

"It seems to be a bold move in this economy, but on the other hand, people are holding on to their cars longer," he said.

"I wish them the best," Mushett added. "That should be a pretty good location. There is a lot of traffic through there.

"They must feel confident they can make a go of it here," he said. "This will increase the diversity of the places you can go and maybe set off some competitive pricing."