Zumbach’s Plans Second Coffee Shop on Burtis Avenue

New Canaan’s best-established and locally owned coffee shop is planning to open a second location downtown. 

Zumbach’s Gourmet Coffee, a hub of activity at the corner of Pine and Grove Streets, is planning to open a shop on Burtis Avenue, according to an application submitted to Planning & Zoning.

“Doug has leased a space at the above referenced address where he plans to open a second coffee shop location offering an expanded selection of handmade coffees including cold-brew as well as nitro-brew coffees,” Paul Tully of Imian Partners LLC, representing the property owner, said in an April 14 letter to Town Assistant Planner/Zoning Inspector Sarah Carey. Tully referred to New Canaan’s Doug Zumbach, owner of the eponymous coffee shop that also founded the popular car show “Caffeine & Carburetors.”

The commercial building at 22 Burtis Ave. is located in the Business A
Zone. Under the New Canaan Zoning Regulations, site plan approval is required from the Planning & Zoning Commission. (The application is expected to come before P&Z at its May 23 meeting.)

Parts of the commercial building are occupied by a laundromat and hair salon. Zumbach’s will occupy about 1,050 square feet of space “in order to roast, brew and serve coffee,” the application said. The new coffee shop will have about eight seats inside with expanded outdoor seating, with six dedicated parking spaces in the lot in front of the building, in addition to the 10 curbside spaces on Burtis. In January, the property owner filed an application for about $40,000 in interior demolition work in the commercial space.

The neighborhood is undergoing major changes. 

In November, the Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a mixed-use development overlooking the corner of Cherry Street and Burtis Avenue with 25 residential units, located within two multi-family buildings and four townhouses. New Canaan Butcher Shop recently opened on Burtis and a French bakery and café also is planned for the block.

“We look forward to your review of this application and hope that you will agree that our application meets the Planning & Zoning regulations,” Tully said in the letter. “We think that Zumbach’s Gourmet Coffee, an established and known brand in town, will enhance Burtis Avenue and benefit the immediate area as it evolves. Doug is excited for this additional location with expanded offerings and the possibility of a delivery service for surrounding businesses and residences (within walking distance).”