The city of Cambridge voted to keep the former Perkins and two neighboring lots classified as restaurant use only after an amendment request this month.
The owner of the property was looking to reclassify the lots after a potential buyer had approached him about turning the former restaurant and surrounding area into a gas station with a car wash.
The city voted to deny the request, claiming that not enough time had passed to claim any sort of hardship in attempting to sell the lot or that another restaurant could fill the space.
The property owner was informed he could reapply the request in two years time for a better chance of approval.
The Cambridge Perkins closed its door back in September of this year due to Covid impacts, lack of staff and increased competition.
