SPANISH FORT, Ala. — A new restaurant serving what owners call “comfort food” could be operational before October’s end following a favorable Planning Commission ruling during Monday’s regular meeting.

Sisters Rebecca and Lynne Williams sought and received commission approval to convert the former L.A. Candies location on Spanish Fort Boulevard into The Gumbo Spot.

Lynne Williams said the Eastern Shore area has no shortage of upscale dining options, but the addition will cater more to families — and businesses — seeking affordable, home-cooking alternatives.

“We’re talking about down-home, southern food like chicken-and-dumplings and hamburger steak with mushroom gravy. Things that you might make for yourself at home, but you just don’t have the time or the want-to after a long day,” Lynne Williams said, noting the gumbo recipe that serves as the restaurant’s namesake is actually their grandmother’s creation.

“People don’t always want the fancy stuff, and we’re going to try really hard to capture some of that market,” she said.

Commissioner Kevin Diamond cast the lone dissenting vote. Commissioner Tom Montgomery, Building Official Bruce Renkert and Mayor Joe Bonner were not present to vote.

The ensuing site plan presented on behalf of businessman Van Knight failed to gain approval, however, with commissioners citing continued concerns over traffic congestion the accessory enterprise would create in an already often crowded location.

“I really think the site is too congested to add any more traffic. I think this site is kind of tight for this land use,” said Diamond, who was joined by Commissioners Maura Dismuke and Mary Brabner in voting against the site plan request. Commissioner Chairman Carl Neslon, Bernard Davis and J.R. Smith voted in favor of the measure.

Permit Clerk Donna Dunning said if the traffic congestion issues are addressed, the petitioners are free to re-file their request with the commission as early as next month.

The City Council, following the commission’s favorable recommendation, approved recently an amendment to the city’s land-use ordinance, adding a section to the Table of Permitted Uses that allows for the freestanding machines. As approved, the new use allows for the vending machines to be allowed as “an accessory use only, in conjunction with a convenience store or other retail establishment.”

Such requests will require commission approval, however, and will only be permitted in B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5 and M-1 zoning districts. Papa John’s is zoned B-2.