During the Town of Stratford Zoning Meeting on November 13, 2024, discussions centered around a proposed café that aims to serve food and beverages, including alcohol, at private events. The café's representative clarified that their menu primarily features grab-and-go items such as sandwiches and mini pizzas, with plans to offer a more extensive service for special occasions.
The café intends to operate within a new space, where they will host events and provide customized drink options, including signature cocktails for private parties. However, the representative acknowledged that serving full sit-down meals would require additional health department approvals, which fall outside the zoning regulations.
Concerns were raised about potential overlaps with existing establishments in the area, particularly regarding alcohol service. The café's representative noted that they are aware of another venue that serves beer and wine, emphasizing that separate permits would be necessary for their full-service alcohol offerings.
The meeting highlighted the complexities of navigating zoning and health regulations for food and beverage services, as well as the importance of ensuring compliance with local laws. As the café moves forward with its plans, it will need to address these regulatory requirements to successfully launch its operations in Stratford.