Busboys and Poets newest location in Takoma Park will be a bit larger than originally anticipated to make room for a farmers market.
Andy Shallal says he is spending $2 million on the 7,500-square-foot shop, which received approval for its liquor license earlier this month. Opening late spring 2014, the shop was originally slated to be 6,500 square feet.
The owner of the popular bookstore-coffeehouse declined to name the market until the deal is finalized.
“It’s an exciting new concept. That’s still a work in progress,” Shallal says.
Located at Takoma Central, a new residential and retail building in Northwest D.C., the new Busboys will house a private room for events and performances so it serves as a community gathering space like its four other locations. Book singings, play and poetry readings, panel discussions, music and talent shows are among the performances it will hold. The café will seat between 200-250 and another 50 on its patio.
Next to a metro stop, the new Takoma Park development is an ideal location, Shallal says. The neighborhood is home to many Busboys’ customers, who have long requested that Shallal open a store there. He says he is talking to area nonprofits and community organizations to take part in some of the civic discussions that will take place in the new store.
Shallal is relying bank loans and some help from the landlord on the store build out to finance the new business. It will employ about 100.