Dunkin' Donuts is looking to move to downtown Butler.

The national chain known for its doughnuts and coffee is in talks to buy the former Flynn Tire property at the corner of North Main and West Brady streets.

John Evans, the city's building code official, said representatives from Dunkin' Donuts told the city zoning hearing board Tuesday that the company has an agreement to buy the property from the Hermitage-based tire business contingent upon zoning approval from the city.

Evans said the project could cost about $1 million.

Heartland Restaurant Group LLC of Pittsburgh is the developer for the project.

The zoning board met Tuesday morning to discuss a slope issue in the back of the lot.

The project depends on two conditional use permits from the city. The city would have to approve a drive-through window and a parking plan with a lesser number of spaces than required by city code.

Evans said the 17 parking spaces proposed by the business is “pretty close” to what would be required by code, which requires one space for every 80 square feet.

The city planning and zoning commission will meet at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday to discuss the permits.

If the commission recommends the plan, it would go before city council Nov. 18 for final approval.

Evans said it is common for businesses to go through the planning process before finalizing an agreement to buy property.

He said if approved, the restaurant could open by next summer.

“If all goes well, they're talking about getting it up and open for business in April or May,” Evans said.

Plans call for the developer to tear down the existing building and build the new Dunkin' Donuts from the ground up.

The property would have traffic entrances from both Main Street and Brady Street. The drive-through would enter from Brady Street.

Evans said there are no concerns with the design of the plan.

“It's pretty cut and dry,” he said. “These large chains are usually cookie-cutter plans.”

Representatives from Dunkin' Donuts and Flynn Tire did not respond to messages for comment Wednesday.

Dunkin' Donuts has more than 11,000 restaurants worldwide, including a location on New Castle Road in Butler Township. Evans said representatives for Dunkin' Donuts said that restaurant would remain open with a new site in the city.

Flynn Tire closed its store in Butler in May after nine years in business.