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

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)

500 Court Street, the former home of George's Potpourri