The Thinking Cup Coffeehouse Looks to Open on Derne Street

The owners of the popular coffeeshop The Thinking Cup are looking to buy Derne Street Deli but are first seeking the neighborhood zoning committee's support Wednesday night.

The sale of Derne Street Deli to The Thinking Cup is conditional the cafe getting all the necessary approvals, according to deli owner Nick Papadopoulos.

One of approvals the cafe needs is a variance for a coffee shop with take-out use from the city's zoning board. They also need a CV license to serve food from the Boston Licensing Board.

Although the Beacon Hill Civic Association's Zoning Committee vote carries no official weight, the city board takes it into consideration when making its decision.

If all goes smoothly, The Thinking Cup could open as soon as two months from now, Papadopoulos said. But the cafe is also looking at other locations, he said.

Papadopoulos has owned the deli since March 1986. "I've had enough ... I'm tired," he said. Having a business across from the State House, on a street controlled by state troopers, is "tough."

"I can't park anywhere. For the first few years they would give us a permit," he said. But that stopped about five years ago. Because of the lack of parking, he had to stop his delivery business.

Papadopoulous said that he is going to take a break and then might open another deli, but somewhere else.

The deli, at 14-16 Derne St., currently h