Former Walgreens in Cicero to become Shake Shack and more, bringing new life to Brewerton Road
A long-vacant Walgreens at 7973 Brewerton Road in Cicero will soon be home to a Shake Shack, two additional restaurants, and a Mattress Firm, according to Eagle News. The redevelopment, approved by the town planning board, marks a significant commercial refresh for this busy intersection at Brewerton and Caughdenoy Roads.
Developers are moving ahead with plans to overhaul the former Walgreens at 7973 Brewerton Road, bringing a Shake Shack, two more restaurants, and a Mattress Firm to the intersection of Brewerton and Caughdenoy Roads. Eagle News reports that the Cicero town planning board has approved the site plans, clearing the way for construction to begin on a property that has sat empty for a year.
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By The Numbers
- 7973 Brewerton Road: Address of the former Walgreens to be redeveloped, per Eagle News.
- Four businesses: The site will house a Shake Shack, two other restaurants, and a Mattress Firm, according to Eagle News.
- One year: The Walgreens location has been closed since last year, Eagle News reports.
What’s changing on Brewerton Road
The intersection of Brewerton and Caughdenoy Roads is one of Cicero’s busiest, with steady traffic from commuters heading between North Syracuse, Clay, and the northern suburbs. The Walgreens at this corner closed last year, leaving a prominent vacancy on a stretch of Brewerton Road lined with fast food, gas stations, and strip malls.
With the planning board’s approval, developers will convert the 13,650-square-foot building into four separate businesses. Shake Shack, a national burger chain, will anchor the site. Two additional restaurants, not yet named in public filings, will join the lineup, along with a Mattress Firm retail store. The project will add new signage, parking lot upgrades, and landscaping improvements, according to Eagle News.
Residents in Cicero and nearby towns have watched the Walgreens building sit empty for months, with overgrown grass and faded signage. The new plans aim to reverse that trend, bringing more foot traffic and activity to a corridor that sees thousands of cars daily. The site sits across from a Dunkin’ and a Speedway, and is less than a mile from Cicero-North Syracuse High School, making it a visible spot for both locals and commuters.
Developers have not announced a construction start date, but with site plan approval in hand, work is expected to begin soon. The project will likely involve interior demolition, new kitchen and dining buildouts for the restaurants, and exterior renovations to modernize the façade. No opening dates have been set, but the planning board’s green light means residents could see construction crews on site before winter.
For people living in Cicero, Clay, and North Syracuse, the new businesses mean more options for grabbing a meal or shopping without driving into Syracuse or down Erie Boulevard. The addition of Shake Shack, which has locations in larger cities but none yet in Onondaga County, could draw customers from across Central New York. Mattress Firm will add a retail anchor, filling a gap left by the closure of several mattress and furniture stores along Route 11 over the past few years.
The redevelopment also fits into a broader pattern of commercial investment along Brewerton Road. In the past two years, several new businesses have opened or renovated properties nearby, including a Starbucks, a Taco Bell, and a renovated Aldi grocery store. The corridor has seen increased interest from national brands looking to serve the growing population in Cicero and the surrounding suburbs.
Why this matters for Central New York
The transformation of the former Walgreens is part of a larger trend in Central New York, where towns are repurposing vacant big-box stores and pharmacies as retail patterns shift. National chains like Walgreens and Rite Aid have closed locations across Onondaga County, leaving empty storefronts on major roads. Cicero’s decision to work with developers to bring in new tenants shows a proactive approach to keeping commercial corridors active.
Shake Shack’s arrival is a first for the northern suburbs, and its national brand recognition could attract visitors from Liverpool, Baldwinsville, and even as far as Oswego. The two additional restaurants, once announced, will further expand dining options for families and workers in Central New York. Mattress Firm’s presence adds a retail draw for people shopping for home goods, complementing nearby stores like Target and Home Depot on Route 31.
For Cicero residents, the project means fewer empty storefronts and more reasons to stay local for meals and shopping. The town’s willingness to approve new site plans and encourage redevelopment could serve as a model for other communities facing similar vacancies. With the planning board’s approval, the project is moving from concept to reality, and residents can expect visible changes at the site in the coming months.
Commercial activity remains a key topic for Central New York, especially as the I-81 viaduct project and other infrastructure upgrades reshape traffic patterns and business opportunities across the Syracuse metro. Brewerton Road, which runs parallel to I-81, is expected to see increased traffic as construction diverts drivers from downtown routes. Local officials hope that new businesses at 7973 Brewerton Road will benefit from this shift and help keep Cicero’s commercial tax base strong.
For more on commercial openings and economic development, check our local business news section.
Community events and business engagement
While new businesses prepare to open in Cicero, community organizations are working to keep residents engaged and connected. The Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a trunk or treat event at Davidson Ford of Clay on October 16, 2026, drawing more than two dozen organizations, according to Eagle News. The event brought families out for games, giveaways, and a chance to meet local business owners.
Events like these help connect businesses with families and highlight the importance of active commercial corridors in towns across Onondaga County. The Chamber’s trunk or treat drew participants from Cicero, Clay, and Liverpool, showing the strong ties between local businesses and the community. Organizers say these events help keep residents informed about new openings and encourage people to shop and dine locally.
For more on upcoming community events and things to do, visit our community events page.
Looking ahead: Commercial momentum in the northern suburbs
The redevelopment of 7973 Brewerton Road signals continued momentum for Cicero and the northern suburbs. As more national and regional brands look to expand in Central New York, residents can expect ongoing investment along key corridors like Brewerton Road, Route 11, and the I-81 interchange. The town’s planning board has played a central role in reviewing and approving projects that bring new life to vacant properties.
With the former Walgreens site set to become a new destination for dining and shopping, Cicero is positioning itself as a center for commercial activity north of Syracuse. The project’s progress will be closely watched by residents, business owners, and local officials eager to see more success stories in Central New York’s evolving business landscape. The hope is that this redevelopment will encourage further investment and help fill other empty storefronts along Brewerton Road and beyond.
Nearby property owners are also watching the project, as increased traffic and new businesses could boost property values and attract additional tenants to neighboring plazas. The town’s commercial tax base stands to benefit, helping fund local services and infrastructure improvements.
Where to check for updates
For the latest on commercial developments in Cicero and across Central New York, follow the Town of Cicero’s official website and planning board agendas. For ongoing coverage of business openings and community events, visit the CNY Signal business news and community events sections.
📷 Wikimedia / Wikipedia , Cicero, New York , CC BY-SA 4.0 / Public Domain (verify per file)
Sources
- Eagle News, former Walgreens in Cicero to become a Shake Shack & more
- Eagle News, Truck or Treat event hosted by Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
