https://n2v.paloaltoonline.com/blogs/p/print/2014/07/21/cafe-moving-into-vacated-bargain-box-space

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Cafe chain moving into vacated Bargain Box space in Palo Alto

South Bay bakery/café chain Le Boulanger has snagged the California Avenue spaces vacated by two longtime tenants, 58-year-old thrift store Bargain Box and Avenue Florist, according to planning documents submitted to the city.

Le Boulanger Senior Vice President Jeff Brunello has applied for a conditional use permit to sell beer and wine at 341 California Ave., as well as a request for staff-level architectural review for various upgrades. The vacant building ? which includes 341 California, formerly occupied by Bargain Box, and 347 California, vacated by Avenue Florist on June 30 ? allows for what seems to be a more ambitious Le Boulanger concept.

Plans include replacing exterior windows, painting the exterior of the building and the existing awning/overhangs, installing planters along California Avenue to create a "green screen to soften the sidewalk experience in the walk way between buildings" and installing an energy-efficient roof, among others. Inside, plan drawings show bar seating that faces out onto California, a pizza oven that sits behind a 10-seat bar, a large dining room and an outdoor patio with seating and an "indoor/outdoor" fireplace.


Above: A drawing of the proposed remodel for 341-347 California Ave. Courtesy City of Palo Alto.

Brunello did not return requests for comment. The project's architect is Berkeley-based Kahn Design Associates, according to the planning application.

Family-owned Le Boulanger operates 17 cafes throughout the Peninsula and South Bay, including in Mountain View, Menlo Park, Redwood City and Los Altos. View a menu here.