Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative will go before the Wauwatosa Plan Commission next week to request a permit for a store expansion – but not a very big one.

The store, at 7000 W. State St., will gain some 300 square feet when the front wall is pushed out about 12 feet to enclose what is now an outdoor seating area, if the request is approved.

"We want to increase our indoor seating because there isn’t a lot of space, and more than half the year you can’t be outside anyway," said Margaret Mittelstadt, a spokeswoman for Outpost. "We also wanted an area where we can have space for workshops, which there just isn't room for.

"We conduct workshops at the other two stores, and they're popular," she added. "People have been asking for that, so once this is done we can actually have those workshops in all stores."

Mittelstadt said the store will still offer outdoor seating as well, in a patio setting.

Wauwatosa City Planner Tammy Szudy said the Plan Commission would hear the request next Monday.

The store will also be updated inside, Mittelstadt said.

"It's been 11 years, so it’s kind of time to look at what works and what doesn’t and do a little remodeling," she said.

“We’re looking to create a more unified look between our three stores and bring them all forward a bit. The colors we’re incorporating will be nice and bright," Mittelstadt said. "Also, the sustainable design finishes that we've been using, that will definitely stay in place.”