Bear’s Cup café approved for signage and exterior changes at 543 Broadway; board notes compatibility with building

The Design Review Board approved exterior modifications for Bear’s Cup, a proposed to‑go bagel and coffee shop at 543 Broadway (the former firehouse), including signage, a shed-style fabric awning and mechanical exhaust penetrations screened at the rear of the building.

Design consultant Jonathan Haines and owner Lou DeSantis presented the plan for two 8‑inch exhaust vents for kitchen ovens, intake louvers and a four‑foot gooseneck vent. The exhausts will be located at the rear of the structure and were described as similar in scale and visibility to existing ventilation for neighboring businesses. The sign design was reduced in lettering size from the workshop to match the building’s historic proportion and the awning revised from a half‑circle to a shed/gable style to improve pedestrian shelter and drainage for the side entrance.

Board members voiced no objections. The Chair said the design was “entirely appropriate,” and Mr. Chris Bennett suggested a blade sign as an alternative but accepted the applicant’s reasoning to keep the frontal signage. Mr. Rob DeBauf moved to approve the application as shown on the plans; Mr. Bennett seconded and the motion passed in voice vote.

The applicant said they hope to open as soon as possible and that food production (bagels) would be made on-site.