GREENWICH — Ada's coffee and candy shop, a landmark in the Riverside neighborhood, could be re-opening after a lengthy hiatus.

Ada's Kitchen + Coffee was shuttered in February of 2024 following a rent dispute, and the business that operated for years as a candy store serving treats to young people is set to start a new chapter under new ownership. It was named after Ada Cantavero, who ran a candy store at the location for generations. She died in 2008 at age 88. 

The new ownership plans to renovate the existing store and construct an addition to the existing two-family house on the half-acre site. The property does not conform to current zoning standards, so expanding the current house -- and expanding the non-conformity -- would pose a significant challenge.

Tom Heagney, the attorney representing the owner, listed as TMEC Riverside, said the Planning & Zoning Commission suggested that the town's Historic District Commission could assist in the process. The HDC can place a "historical overlay" designation on the property, giving the owner a bonus for saving a historic structure. The bonus would allow the property-owners to add a garage and expand the two-family building by around 2,000 square feet, in exchange for maintaining the old Ada's coffee shop in perpetuity. 

At a recent meeting, the HDC approved the concept and advised the Planning & Zoning Commission to approve the plans for Ada's.

The old candy store, which later became a coffee shop, dates from the late 1800s, and it once served as the Riverside Post Office. The residence also date from the late 1800's.

Heagney told the HDC that coffee shop would have some damaged sections repaired, but no alterations are proposed. "This is a true landmark in Riverside....We're looking to continue it as a coffee shop for the neighborhood, just refurbish it, and keep it as it is," he said.

John Halper, the architect working on the project, said the current residence would undergo a significant overhaul. "It's in disrepair, it needs help," he told the commission. An overhaul would make it blend in better with the Ada's shop. "We want to make it feel like they're connected," Halper said, "It's in the spirit of and connected with Ada's."

The shop is located near the Riverside train station and had served local commuters with coffee and breakfast items.

The development proposal is expected to come to the Planning & Zoning Commission later this year.

July 14, 2026