Planned restaurant on Chimes Street stymied by parking issues

A new restaurant called the Ice House is slated for the North Gates of LSU in the old upstairs location of Godfather’s at Highland Road and West Chimes Street—if you’re old enough to remember eating pizza there. But as of now, applicant Jim Porter has a logistical problem: there’s no parking. He’s asking the Planning Commission to waive the requirement for 53 parking spaces he would have to provide in order to open. A Planning Commission staffer says many of the new businesses at the North Gates—including newcomers Five Guys Burger and Fries and Chipotle Mexican Grill—wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for similar parking waivers. Many of the establishments rely heavily on foot traffic from campus—especially during football season.

If the parking issue can be resolved, the restaurant plans to cater heavily to the student crowd, with entrees mostly under $10, and “starving student” specials for $1-$2. Items like sweet ribs, loaded baked potatoes, hotdogs, poboys and build-your-own burgers—including veggie and fish burgers—will form the cornerstones of the menu. A bar expansion is planned in the future. —Adam Pearson and Rachael Upton