Since opening in Tremont two summers ago, Battr at 910 Literary Road, has been "on an upward trajectory," says owner Issa Elkhatib. The sweets shop specializes in Belgian waffles, Hong Kong-style bubble waffles and French crepes, which are rolled into cones and filled with a choice of gelatos.
So far, the only obstacle is space; at 600 square feet, the Tremont shop's wee dimensions are proving to be a curb on production, business and catering.
"We love Tremont," says Elkhatib. "Our goal is to stay in Tremont because we like the area, but we're in need of more space. Having a second location could resolve some of these space issues."
After searching for just such a place, Elkhatib says that he found one in Lakewood. At 1,750 square feet, the shop at 15000 Detroit Ave. is nearly triple the size, which will not only take some stress off the Tremont location, but give the staff more opportunities to expand the menu and serve catering customers.
When the new shop opens later this fall, adds Elkhatib, it will offer the same sweet treats that customers have gotten to know and love in Tremont.
"The same exact core of what we do -- bringing unique desserts -- [but with] a way to provide for a wider audience," he notes.
In the future, Elkhatib hopes to continue expanding the brand with new locations, one of which will be large enough to commence in-house gelato production.
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