Village Gas plans retail space with coffee shop and sandwich shop in Burrillville

The North Smithfield Planning Board meeting on December 12, 2024, featured significant discussions regarding a new commercial development that aims to enhance local business offerings. The proposed building will primarily consist of retail space, with plans for a coffee shop and a sandwich shop, both of which will include a drive-through option.

During the meeting, the developer outlined the layout of the building, indicating that the right two-thirds would be dedicated to retail, while the left third would be split between the coffee shop and the sandwich shop. The coffee shop is confirmed to have a drive-through, while the sandwich shop's final concept is still under consideration.

Additionally, there was clarification regarding office spaces within the building. Initially thought to be available for general leasing, it was revealed that these spaces are intended for the tenants of the coffee and sandwich shops. Each tenant will have a private office for administrative tasks, ensuring that their business operations remain separate from the retail space.

Zeesha Abid, the owner of Village Gas and the developer behind the project, emphasized that this concept is similar to an existing location in Burrillville, but with a more developed layout. The board members expressed interest in the project, which is expected to contribute positively to the local economy by providing new dining options and creating jobs.

As discussions progressed, the board moved on to address utility considerations for the new development, indicating that the project is advancing through the necessary planning stages. The outcome of this meeting marks a step forward in bringing new commercial opportunities to North Smithfield, with the potential to enhance community engagement and local business growth.