The owners of the Linden Store deli, located at 162 Linden St., have confirmed that they are expanding the 1,380 square foot restaurant into the now-empty space next door, increasing their business to 2,400 square feet.

Owners Greg and Mark LeBrun have long wanted to expand. When next-door neighbor hair salon Eugenio Coiffeurs D’elegant decided to move, their patience and good relations with the salon owner and the landlord paid off, and they secured the lease.

The LeBruns aren’t seeking a liquor license or striving to attract a dinner crowd. What they really want is more storage, improved refrigeration, and a better experience for their customers. Mark cites the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” business model when he assured me that the soups, subs, and welcoming atmosphere that the Linden Store has cultivated since its start in the 1930s will remain. Expect better interior traffic flow and less competitive parking during rush times. In addition, there will be an increase in seating from 21 stools to 31 stools, two of which will be handicapped accessible.

Right now, the Linden Store is finishing up the design process and going through the town’s permitting process in hopes that renovations will begin this spring. The first phase of construction will have no impact on day-to-day business operations, but as the project moves into the latter phases of completion, the store will need to close for a brief period of time, likely in late summer.