Former councilman Franc Gambatese was given the go-ahead for opening a coffee shop in the 250 year-old barn on the corner of Clarsville and Cranbury roads. ##M:[more]##Gambatese and his wife, Mickey DeFranco, have been operating the Grovers Mill Coffee Company for two years, roasting and packaging the coffee themselves, and selling products online.
Gambatese has several months’ worth of upgrades planned for the building, which was most recently a lawnmower repair shop. The coffee shop is expected to feature a stage and seating for about 30. The zoning board approval, given on August 2, is subject to 18 conditions. On-site food preparation is not allowed, and the building’s second floor can only be used for office or storage space.