Pepe’s Pizza, located at 1148 New Britain Avenue in West Hartford, plans to expand into a vacant space next door.

Rustic Mushroom & Sausage pizza from Pepe’s in Elmwood. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

By Ronni Newton

Pepe’s has enjoyed success anchoring a corner of the Elmwood Shopping Center at 1126-1148 New Britain Avenue since the famed New Haven pizzeria business expanded into West Hartford in September 2013, and now plans to expand by nearly 70% by taking over adjacent and currently vacant space.

According to the application, the expanded space will be used by Pepe’s for “private dining, food preparation (including adding an oven) and take-out food pick-up.” There will be 26 seats added in the private dining area.

Pepe’s plans to expand its location on New Britain Avenue. in West Hartford with the new are used for private dining, food prep, and take-out. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Back in June 2020, the Town Council voted to permit changes to the property’s Special Development District, which included allowing the Elmwood Shopping Center façade to be extended along the northwest side of the building and allowing build-out of what was formerly a storage area. While there was some indication at the time that a physical therapy business might open in the space, those plans never materialized.

The property owner, Hare Associates, LLC, currently leases 3,277 square feet to Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, and has requested the town’s approval for a change in use in order to lease the adjacent 2,230 square foot space, which has never been occupied, to Pepe’s. Because the property is an SDD, permission is required from the town, but according to a letter submitted by Town Planner Todd Dumais, the request for “minor changes to parking, signage, and architectural elements” falls within his administrative approval authority.

In accordance with town code, Dumais’ intention to approve the request appeared on Tuesday night’s Town Council agenda. The Council does have the authority to reject the approval decision and require a complete application process – but did not do so.

Pepe’s plans to expand its location on New Britain Avenue. in West Hartford with the new are used for private dining, food prep, and take-out. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

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