ROCKPORT — During the next Rockport Planning Board meeting, board members will review an application for a new takeout pizza site on West Street. The applicant is a familiar name to many in the Midcoast region, but not for the pizzas he intends to sell.

For several years, Aphiwat Raklittikul, aka Mr. Wat, rolled sushi at Mr. Wat’s Sushi and Noodles in Rockport and Rockland. In 2017, he stepped aside from the food entrepreneurship due to health reasons.

“Standing on his feet for long hours finally got to him,” said Vee Aramthip in a 2017 interview. Aramthip is Raklittikul’s brother and successor of the restaurant at 106 Commercial Street.

But, now, Raklittikul, who has 25 years experience as an Asian food chef, is returning to the kitchen. This time, though, he’d be using an oven instead of a wok.

He has become a tenant of 148 West Street, a small, one-story commercial structure east of Erickson Preserve. The property, owned by Linda Campbell, also holds two residential structures.

According to Town records, Raklittikul obtained a building permit, allowing him to create a wall within the 900-square foot building, separating the kitchen area from the customer area.

“Spice Herbal Pizzeria” is the business name printed on the application. It is described as a take-out pizza restaurant, without seating, and with only one employee – Raklittikul.

Parking around the exterior allows for at least 16 spaces, and some exterior lighting may be added to illuminate the entrance way, as well as the parking area.

Though the building permit has already been allotted, allowing Raklittikul to make renovations to the structure, he still needs approval from the Planning Board in order to operate a business there. Board members will address the matter at the January 23 meeting.

The building at 148 West Street has held several commercial ventures in its history, including a shoe repair shop, a beer brewing supply store, a flooring store, and an herbal shop.

See previous articles:

Tomi’s Sushi and Noodle Bar to replace Mr. Wats’ in Rockport

Mr. Wat celebrates one-year business anniversary in Rockport

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com