Board approves Espresso Alley drive-through restaurant in town center

The Deep Creek Watershed Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved Special Exception SE-514 on May 15, 2025, permitting a drive-through coffee shop proposed by applicant Allison Lenhart.

Samantha Gravel, speaking for the application, told the board the proposal is for a drive-through and walk-off orders only, with no indoor seating and likely outdoor picnic seating. “This proposed coffee shop will be drive through and walk off orders only,” Gravel said, and the operation is expected to run roughly from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. She said the business intends to use the existing commercial entrance and the current pavement footprint; plans show 11 parking spaces with room to add more if needed.

The board reviewed notice to adjoining property owners and heard that no letters for or against the application had been received. Members pressed briefly on whether public restrooms would be provided; Gravel said she was not certain whether public restrooms would be available on-site but expected staff facilities would be present. Chairman Bruce Swift reminded the room that any approval from the appeals board remains subject to other county reviews, including County Roads and the Health Department.

After closing the public portion, board members described the proposal as a reasonable commercial use that fit the existing site and voted to grant the special exception. The board’s motion to approve carried unanimously.

The decision can be appealed to the Circuit Court of Garrett County within 30 days of the board’s decision. The board noted that standard permitting and county agency approvals remain prerequisites before the business may open.