Cafe Looking To Set Up At Former Blockbuster

The Corner Bakery Café, a casual dining spot that serves healthy options like salads, soups and sandwiches, is seeking to set up shop at the old Blockbuster Video location near Acme on West Road.

The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors on Wednesday gave conditional use approval for the 119-seat restaurant. However that approval comes with a condition -- that the lack of parking in the immediate area is addressed.

Don Marshall, the lawyer for the applicant, said the 5,000-square-foot café is similar to a Panera restaurant in that it offers fast, healthy options.

The supervisors were receptive to the concept but had concerns about a lack of accessible parking.

Board Chairman Rob Ciervo said the lack of nearby parking could pose a safety issue if patrons have to park across the street at the larger Acme lot.

“It’s not a pedestrian friendly road whatsoever,” he said.

The supervisors suggested the applicant contact the owner of the Village at Newtown Shopping Center, which is right next door, to see if a pathway from the former Blockbuster could be created to the adjacent lot. That lot, supervisor Phil Calabro said, typically has vacant spots and could likely provide ample parking.

The Corner Bakery Café currently has locations in King of Prussia, Philadelphia, Horsham and Ardmore, among others. There are franchises in several states, including New Jersey, Virginia, California, Maryland, Texas and more.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu includes a range of salads, sandwiches, soups, kids selections, pastas and bakery items.

To learn more, visit www.cornerbakerycafe.com.