PORTSMOUTH — The reopening of the revamped Tuscan Market is drawing near, and the sidewalk in front of the downtown business has taken on a new look.

Approved by the city last month, the occupant of the famous Market Square coffeehouse building has set up a gated outdoor dining enclosure for the 2022 season adjacent to its popular public seating.

The public seating was a hot topic in the community recently after it temporarily vanished from the sidewalk at the corner of Congress and Daniel streets in late winter. Soon after, however, the chairs and tables cherished by many as a gathering space were returned to their longtime location around the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth’s information kiosk.

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According to Rina Peselman, spokesperson for the business, Tuscan Market is adding a new 15-seat bar, a pizza oven imported from Italy and a new cocktail menu. 

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Though she didn’t identify a date, the Tuscan Market reopening is expected soon.

“We are slated to open in the next couple weeks,” Peselman said.

The market’s patron-only outside seating has taken on a new look for this year’s outdoor dining season. Comparable to nearby Popover’s On the Square, the business is utilizing an outdoor enclosure to serve patrons food, alcohol and other beverages. 

Though the market used the same structure last year, city permitting records show this year’s enclosure is increasing by six seats. Last year, the enclosure was off to the side of the market’s façade, though this year it was positioned directly next to the business’ public seating.

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Peselman added that the enclosure was moved because it was previously closer to a neighboring business. 

Issued by City Manager Karen Conard in April, Tuscan Market’s permit allows for an enclosure of 363 square feet with 38 chairs and nine tables. Tuscan Market can seat 78 people inside.

The business’ permit with the city, called a sidewalk café application, will expire Oct. 31. 

Tuscan Market’s public seating, which was a staple of previous 14 Market Square businesses Breaking New Grounds and Café Brioche, additionally requires Portsmouth approval because the seating is on city-owned sidewalks.

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Called a sidewalk obstruction license, the city-approved permit Tuscan Market holds for its outdoor public seating allows for nine tables with 22 chairs and a nearby bench. The nearly yearlong permit, issued by Conard last month, will expire on March 31, 2023.

“We welcome the community to continue using the public seating area,” Peselman said.

Sidewalk obstruction licenses are required for businesses placing tables, chairs, benches, planters and A-frame signs on city sidewalks. 

A copy of Portsmouth's sidewalk obstruction license application outlines the annual permit fees. Every restaurant chair costs $10 apiece, while each table, bench, planter and A-frame sign costs $75. 

The public seating outside of Tuscan Market has been a downtown draw for coffee drinkers, people watchers, laptop users, dog walkers, tourists and more for decades.