VIRGINIA BEACH — An empty grocery store once full with shopping carts could soon be getting go-karts.
Local businessman Hussain Surani wants to turn the former Farm Fresh location at 2058 S. Independence Blvd. near the Tidewater Community College campus into Safari Fun Park. He hopes to get the green light July 9 from City Council. The Planning Commission voted 11-0 to recommend approval of the project in June.
Surani used to own American Indoor Karting LLC, which was next to Lynnhaven Mall before closing permanently during the pandemic. Since then, Surani opened a trampoline park in North Dakota.
“I really wanted to bring another entertainment concept to Virginia Beach,” he said. “I wanted to offer something for toddlers to age 70. I want to entertain the entire family.”
His plans include a 60,000-square-foot facility with electric go-karts, which he said are less noisy. The fun park will feature a full arcade, laser tag, a ropes course, full restaurant, indoor playground for toddlers and a nonalcoholic drink bar serving coffee and boba tea.
“The entire age factor has been served with Safari Fun Park,” Surani said. “I want a grandpa to take his grandson here.”
Surani said the only opposition he’s heard was from a nearby neighborhood concerned about the late hours. He said the park would close at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight Friday and Saturday. He doesn’t think there will be a late crowd because it would be an alcohol- and tobacco-free facility.
If approved, Surani said he hopes for a December opening.
