By next spring, coffee lovers and their furry friends could have a new east-side place to pick up treats.
The Richmond Board of Zoning Appeals on July 8 approved 5-0 a variance of development standards that will enable Schlosser Coffee 2 of Portland to build a Scooter’s Coffee at 4563 National Road E., the former Lulu’s Tacos location. According to owner Lora Schlosser, the drive-thru-only menu includes specialty coffees, special sodas, energy drinks, some food items and pup cups with a little bone.
“I’m waiting for the puppy treats,” said Jeff Cook, the BZA chair, after the petition’s approval.
Schlosser plans demolition of the current building and construction of a prototypical Scooter’s building. That’s why a variance was required. Richmond’s general commercial zoning requires a minimum 1,000 square feet of main floor area, but the Scooter’s buildings are just 664 square feet.
“They’re nice, cute, little kiosk buildings,” said Schlosser, who owns a Scooter’s in Decatur.
The Scooter’s chain was established in 1998, and the hub is Omaha, Nebraska. There are currently about 900 stores nationwide, Schlosser said.
After permitting, final engineering plans and construction bidding, construction could begin in November with the store opening by March. Schlosser hopes the store will be successful with just Starbucks as the location’s main competitor.
Spa site
Another 5-0 board vote clears the way for a wellness business at 626 S. B St.
Norman Property LLC purchased the former Richmond Dental Laboratory building under the impression it was commercially zoned; however, the property is zoned urban residential. The commercial-style building had operated as a dental laboratory for about three decades.
LeaAnn Norman said the business would include about four service providers offering facials, eyelashes and hair styling. She plans to renovate the building to serve residents of the nearby 6Main apartments and the growing downtown.
This reporting is made possible in part by Whitewater Community Television.
A version of this article appeared in the July 15 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
