Exhaust approved for proposed 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' cafe in Berlin; paint and sign mockups to be emailed for approval

The Berlin Historic District Commission approved an exhaust placement over the rear window and asked applicants to submit paint and sign mockups by email for administrative approval as they consider a new breakfast cafe at 4 South Main Street.

Tiffany and Maggie Wagner told the board they do not plan to use a fryer, and that the fire marshal recommended venting through a Jefferson Street transom or the rear window to avoid damaging the historic facade. "We do absolutely never plan on using a fryer in the historic building ever," Tiffany Wagner said, emphasizing a preference for minimal-impact venting. Commissioners favored locating the exhaust at the rear window, where mechanical equipment is already grouped, and said the back location would reduce visual impact on Main Street.

The board also discussed signage and exterior colors. Commissioners suggested the applicants provide a mockup showing how a new sign would relate to other storefronts; the commission said it would accept emailed mockups and a color sample rather than requiring the applicants to reappear. Applicants raised a potential trademark issue with the business name; they said they had sought counsel and received preliminary approval, and the commission noted trademark clearance is a separate legal matter that does not substitute for local design review.

Motion text recorded at the meeting approves the rear-window exhaust and tables final action on paint color and the sign pending submission of visual mockups by email; the motion passed by voice vote.