An Ethiopian-style coffee shop is being proposed for Greenfield Avenue in West Allis
A new coffee shop could be coming to West Allis this year.
Ethiopian Coffee Shop is being proposed for 7629 W. Greenfield Ave., in the space formerly occupied by Schroeder Books.
The West Allis Plan Commission on Jan. 26 recommended the common council approve a special use permit application, along with site, landscaping and architectural plans for the proposed café, subject to some basic conditions, according to West Allis Planning and Zoning Manager Steve Schaer.
Thomas and Amina Bell plan to lease the 978-square-foot space and remodel the former bookstore into a coffee shop, according to city documents.
It would specialize in Ethiopian-style coffee, a coffee known for its bright fruited and floral flavors, light to medium body, and complex flavor notes, according to the city and coffee-based websites.
The Bells couldn't immediately be reached for an interview, but menu items would include various coffee drinks and teas, as well as pastries, soup, salads, cold sandwiches, fruit and healthy snacks available for dine-in or carryout, according to the city.
The front of the shop would feature customer seating, and the back would be transformed into a prep kitchen.
A floor plan submitted to the city shows seating for 22 customers, with eight two-person tables and six seats along a counter by the front windows.
Remodeling is estimated to cost $20,000. If approved, work could begin in March or April.
Depending on how construction goes, the shop could be open by late spring or summer, said West Allis Planning and Zoning Manager Steve Schaer.
As of Feb. 1, the city has received positive feedback but no opposition to the proposal, Schaer said.
Proposed hours for the shop are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
The common council will conduct a public hearing on the proposal Feb. 17.
Contact Bob Dohr at 262-361-9140 or bob.dohr@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BobDohr1.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New Ethiopian coffee shop proposed for 76th & Greenfield in West Allis
