Bumping elbows with a neighbor at the Farm & Coast Market on Bridge Street will soon become an experience of the past as the business looks to expand eastward to the empty business next door, according to General Manager Jody Cote. 

The market's current space doesn’t lend well with all of its offerings, Cote said. The business often becomes “crowded” and “noisy” during busy hours and the line for the barista counter can become “distracting” and “tight” as people wait for their coffees, smoothies and baked goods.

Seizing the opportunity to move next door will allow the business to “spread out” its offerings for a more comfortable shopping and dining experience, she said. The construction plans call for the wall separating the two businesses to come down, opening the space for one room.

“We're doing some exciting things and making changes within each department and trying to grow each department, but it's more going to be for the convenience of the customer,” Cote added.

She said this will also allow the market to expand its current offerings, including its plans to receive an All Liquors License, which was approved during the Spring Town Meeting and is still awaiting approval from the state legislature.

Construction, which will be done by DSK Architects in Dartmouth, is estimated to take approximately six months, with the anticipated completion date on Tax Day in April, Cote said. Construction will focus on the empty space for the first three months and the current space in the latter half. 

“Everybody's in agreement, and they're just getting ready to get started,” she said, adding the goal is to not interrupt regular business operations for the sake of both the employees and the customers.

“We want to make it the least inconvenience possible,” Cote said, adding that the business will have the flexibility of moving to either side if any challenges arise.

While she doesn’t foresee any “major setbacks,” she understands that equipment can be hard to get and may cause delays for completion.

“I'm excited,” she added. “I love a challenge, so I'm looking forward to it. I think it is going to only be better for staff and for customers.”

Cote also highlighted the customers’ excitement for the expansion.

“It's such a community place that it's awesome to hear people delighted with something that you're taking on,” she added.

Customers were also concerned with how much she’s taking on, but she said she doesn’t see it that way.

“Let's do this — it’s going to be so much fun,” Cote said.