NORTH SMITHFIELD – A North Smithfield eatery that is currently closed due to state restrictions on dine-in services will have some new offerings once it is finally allowed to reopen.
Coffee & Cream owners Jonathan and Heather Branchaud have obtained a liquor license for the business, which moved to Slatersville Plaza earlier this year.
Unlike many restaurants in the region that have offered takeout throughout the pandemic, the Branchauds closed the establishment in March, when Gov. Gina Raimondo halted indoor dining.
A popular breakfast restaurant that operated at the intersection of Smithfield Road and Providence Street for more than two decades, the original Coffee & Cream was destroyed by a fire in 2017.
Owners reopened shop at 900 Victory Highway last November, expanding their menu to include lunch, and announcing plans to offer beer and wine in the near future.
But state efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 have added delays.
“We just want to have beer and wine,” Heather said during a virtual meeting of the Town Council this week. “Have a mimosa with your breakfast or have a beer with your burger.”
Monday’s meeting served as public hearing on the license for the long-time town business.
“We’re trying to help by getting this approved so when you do reopen you’ll have this in hand,” said Town Council President Paul Vadenais.
Councilor Paul Zwolenski noted that 11 of the employees at the restaurant were certified through the business’s ServSafe program.
“It’s a great restaurant. I’m glad that you’re going to be in business again,” Zwolenski said.
The license was unanimously approved.
Editor’s note: This article originally stated that the fire at the original location took place in 2015. We apologize for the error.