Southington approves Kitchen Cabinet Outlet expansion plans

The Southington Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a revived site plan application for a Kitchen Cabinet Outlet expansion off Queen Street.

Plans submitted in 2019 for a 6,000-square-foot storage facility behind the Queen Street showroom were approved, but that project never broke ground. 

Representatives from Lewis Realty LLC returned this summer with plans to double the size of the previously proposed storage facility.

The application for the expansion would provide more showroom space for cabinets, countertops, preparation and storage, from 6.000 square feet to 12.000 square feet, on the property located at 919 Queen St., the application reads.

Commissioners at their regular meeting earlier this month closed a public hearing and approved the application for the 12,000-square-foot facility behind the Southington showroom at 931 Queen St.
 
Company officials could not be reached for comment on the expansion plans. 

According to its website, Kitchen Cabinet Outlet dates back to 1945 when Louis A. Lestori started Lewis Millwork in Waterbury. 

James Clarke and Joanne Lestori Clarke bought the company in 1978 and renamed it Lewis Kitchen and Bath Centers Inc.

In 1988, the company underwent an expansion and adopted a new business concept, opening as Kitchen Cabinet Outlet, which now has locations in Waterbury and Southington.