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Zimmi's seeks beer-and-wine license for adjacent cafe as neighbors warn of Bedford Street saturation

Community Board 2 SLA Licensing Committee ยท January 12, 2026

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Summary

Zimmi's owners proposed a small cafe and bakery at 72 Bedford with a tavern-wine license, daytime focus and limited evening small-plate service; some neighbors opposed further conversion of Bedford from retail to restaurant uses and questioned ADA access and evening hours.

Zimmi's owners presented an application for a tavern-wine license at 72 Bedford Street for an adjacent cafe/bakery concept that would operate as an all-day venue offering sweet and savory pastries, small plates and a beer-and-wine license for on-site consumption.

Owner Jenny Guzio said the concept is a cafe/bakery with five tables (10 seats) and a drink rail; operating hours proposed were Sunday'Thursday 8 a.m.'11 p.m. and Friday'Saturday 8 a.m.'midnight. Guzio described the space as adjacent to an existing Zimmi's location and emphasized daytime cafe character with limited evening small-plate service and occasional small buyouts for up to 10 people.

Several residents and board members voiced concern about the broader conversion of Bedford Street to predominantly eating-and-drinking uses, the loss of dry-goods retail, and potential evening impacts at ground-floor residential buildings. Nancy Paisley opposed the license on the grounds that the space would function as a bar in the evening. Applicants responded that the space has historically been food-service retail (small bakery) and that they intend to prioritize daytime cafe service while keeping evening activity limited and responsible.

The committee asked for clarification on ADA access, deliveries and confirmation that buyouts will be limited; applicants said deliveries will be on Bedford and that the space already had a commercial hood and prior bakery/food use. The committee recommended the applicant provide a final operations plan and clarified limits on buyouts and late-night service before forwarding a recommendation to the full board.