Wednesday, April 01, 2015

"Le Petit Café" Expansion Into Neighboring Storefront On Court Street Finally Taking Shape

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Le Petit Café at 502 Court Street long ago incorporated the back yard of the neighboring building at #500 as part of its charming backyard eating space.  It was not until 2010 that Le Petit Café took over the neighboring storefront.  Since then it has been boarded up.
However, over the past years, work was slowly progressing and just recently, the plywood came down, revealing an arched storefront. Reader Jay alerted me of the 'reveal' a few days ago, and I stopped by to check it out for myself.
Staff at the café confirmed that the storefront will be incorporated into the eatery and will be accessible from the back yard space.  As to the timeline, it remains uncertain. "It could be next month, it could be next year," a waiter told me.  "It has taken a long time to get the work done."

The storefront at 500 Court Street was once home to "George's Potpourri". The store belonged to Mario Dandola, also knows as George, who operated his unique little china shop, surrounded by shelves upon shelves of glasses, plates, bowls and tea sets decorated in a myriad of patterns.
He passed away in 2010.  His wife moved the store to 489 Court Street and continued to operate it for a few more years, but it closed recently.
Below a few photos from the past.

photo courtesy of bridgeandtunnelclub.com
Mario Dandola, A.K.A. George, in front of his store on Court Street
(photo credit: Allyn Howard)
George on Court Street
(photo credit: Allyn Howard)
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500 Court Street, the former home of George's Potpourri




9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow- that truly looks like a great addition to the neighborhood.

Anonymous said...

not so petit anymore

Anonymous said...

As nice as the space I'm sure will be they can barely staff their existing spot. I've grown so frustrated with waiting for things from that place that I rarely go anymore. Hope they take that into consideration upon opening the new spot.

Anonymous said...

I wish they had the menu and wait staff that this space deserves. It was a great place when it was a tiny little spot to grab a sandwich or breakfast, and its always felt strange that they've not upped their game as far as quality in other areas as they've redecorated over the past decade.

Anonymous said...

I love the weird faux outdoorsy backyard there… but the sounds from the trickling fountain always makes me have to pee.

Anonymous said...

Long before George's Potpourri it was the location of "Hanley's" Candy Store, home of some great fountain soda's, fresh-dipped Breyer's ice cream and a large selection of Penny Candy at the back counter.
-Vince M

Katia said...

Thanks for the information, Vince.

Jim said...

Cheesy.

Anonymous said...

Great, great design and atmosphere, but man, the food is terrible. Definitely doesn't live up to the decor.