The Bateh family can continue to operate Akel’s Deli in the Bank of America Tower at N. 50 Laura St. Downtown through Nov. 30.
Jonathan Bateh said April 16 the lease, which was to expire April 30, has been extended.
The family also operates Ground Level Coffee in the tower lobby.
In February, Colliers Urban Division, which leases building amenities, announced that Starbucks Coffee Co. will take 2,364 square feet of space at the corner of Laura and Bay streets that at one time had been a gift shop. The Ground Level Coffee lobby space is adjacent to the planned Starbucks.
Two years remain on the coffee shop lease owned by Christie Bateh Blackburn. She intends to stay open throughout the lease.
Jonathan Bateh said the extension will give the family time to find another Downtown location if the current lease isn’t renewed past November.
“We are looking at two or three possible locations. Whatever happens we are going to stay Downtown,” he said.
The Akel’s Deli business model is sandwiches, pitas, salads, soup and chips. It is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch. It has a built-in clientele with office workers in the tower.