From the Ground Up: Bambinos Cafe addition

Owner: Bambinos Cafe LLC
General contractor: Green Block LLC
Architect: Hood-Rich Inc.
Engineers: Own Inc., civil; Coleman Engineering, structural; and CJD Engineering LLC, electrical, mechanical and plumbing
Size: 3,800 square feet
Cost: Would not disclose
Lender: OakStar Bank
Estimated completion: April 2025
Project description: Bambinos Cafe is getting a refresh. The goal of the project is to expand the parking lot, dining areas and kitchen of the Phelps Grove neighborhood eatery, according to Andy Faucett, who owns the business with the Faucett family. Faucett said a second story is being added to the western side of the building – erected as McLaggan Groceries in 1927 and home to the cafe since 2001 – to offer a private dining room and additional seating. The kitchen expansion will facilitate more catering, carry-out and third-party delivery, he added. “We felt this property represented a great investment opportunity going forward,” he said. During the time that the Delmar Street location is closed during the expansion project, a temporary downtown site is open at 405 W. Walnut St. and primarily offers takeout and catering options. Another Bambinos Cafe is located at the intersection of Battlefield Road and Lone Pine Avenue within the Half A Hill retail center.