Downtown Youngstown store and deli is looking to expand

By David Skolnick | January 7, 2015 at 12:02a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

The owner of Downtown Circle, a convenience store and deli, is looking to expand.

Al Adi, who’s owned the downtown business at 116 W. Federal St. since it opened in August 2011, wants to open an outdoor seating area, with about eight tables, at the rear of the building.

That location is on four parking spots he leases at a city-owned parking lot on Commerce Street. The expansion could use as few as two of the spots, Adi said.

The city’s Design Review Committee approved a plan Tuesday for a door, two windows, an awning and signs in the back of the business.

Charles Shasho, a DRC member and the deputy director of the city’s public- works department, said city officials would have to look at the plans for tables because the outdoor seating area would be on city property.

Adi said he’ll work with city officials to get approval for the expansion into the parking lot.

The expansion is expected to be done in March and cost $25,000 to $30,000, Adi said.

“It’s going to be a lounge, and I’m concentrating on my food,” he said of the expansion. “It’s a beautiful design.”

Downtown Circle closes at 10 p.m. weekdays but would stay open until midnight if the outdoor seating area is approved by the city, Adi said. The business closes at 3 a.m. on weekends and will keep that closing time regardless of what happens with the proposed expansion.