New Coffee Shop To Open Near Farmington Hiking Trail

FARMINGTON, CT — Farmington trail walkers may no longer be able to get fresh smoothies for their walks near 17 Depot Place, but they will soon be able to grab a cup of java.

The Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a sign application for the property at 17 Depot Place, which will soon become the Daily Grind coffee and bagel café.

The site last was the "On the Go Smoothie Café," but that business shut down in October 2022 following inflation, supply chain and post-pandemic economic struggles that afflicted nearly every eatery in the country.

Hoping to open his coffee place in September, Evan Parsons, owner of the Daily Grind, went before the PZC last week regarding the sign application, which will be for three signs that will go up at the establishment.

The signs, as well as the use at 17 Depot Place, conform with the town's zoning regulations for that location.

Parsons said one would be above the door, one on the road and another on the side of the building.

There are no plans to illuminate the signage at the Daily Grind.

Parsons said his signs will be the same size as those with the smoothie place.

"It's about the same size as the one that is previous. We're just trying to match the same sizes just to keep things simple," Parsons said.

With minimal discussion, the PZC easily said "yes" to the sign application, which helps in filling that once-vacant storefront in town.

The location's proximity to the Rails to Trails walking/hiking/biking trail in Unionville's center made that site a popular place for hikers/bikers/runners.

And when the Daily Grind does open, it might expect Farmington PZC Chairperson Inez St. James to be among the first customers. Said St. James after the PZC approved the signage: "Thanks for coming in. I appreciate it. I can't wait to stop in."

For the minutes of the July 17 Farmington Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

For more information on the Daily Grind, click on this link.