Politics & Government

Council OKs Emma's Coffee and Wine Spot

Hume Ave cafe will also offer soups, salads, sandwiches and cold plates.

A proposal to open a new coffee and wine bar on Hume Avenue received approval from Alexandria City Council on Saturday.

The plan for Emma’s, located at 106 Hume Ave., calls for renovating an existing apartment building on the property, including the construction of a 954-square-foot addition. Two residential apartments will remain after the renovation, something owner Connie Desrosiers said would mitigate any noise concerns.

“I need to keep my tenants happy,” said .

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At a Planning Commission meeting on Jan. 3, the cafe’s neighbor, Epiphany Productions, expressed worries the restaurant would generate noise impeding the consulting and fundraising firm’s ability to work as well as diminishing property values.

Desosiers said there will be no amplified music at the restaurant, which she hopes will be more of a community gathering spot than bar.

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No one opposed the proposal at Saturday's hearing at City Hall. 

The restaurant was approved for 40 indoor seats and 18 outdoor seats. It will open at 6 a.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant will stay open until 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It will close at 4 p.m. on Sunday and Monday.

Emma’s will offer coffee beverages, soups, salads, sandwiches and cold plates. On-premises beer and wine will also be offered. 

“It’s nice to see commercial uses going in vacant spaces, not only on The Avenue but anywhere in the city,” Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille said Saturday. “These spaces have been vacant for quite a long while. Hopefully it’s a positive sign not only that we’re seeing an uptick in the economy but that business people are wanting to take risk here in the city of Alexandria.”

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