As we’ve been anticipating, Cafe Grumpy’s newest outpost is due to open soon at 13 Essex Street. How soon? In about two weeks, if inspections go well, says Michael Rozinski, the CEO of Simply Divine Renovation, who was at the site of the new shop this morning overseeing the final stages of construction.
The Brooklyn-based coffee shop and bakery took over two storefronts on Essex, including the former home of Judaica store Zelig Blumenthal. One space has been converted to Cafe Grumpy’s bakery, which has been operating for a couple of months but is not open to the public. The second space has been under wraps and behind roll-down gates, but Rozinski gave us a quick tour through the sawdust.
The plaster walls have been stripped to reveal brick walls, and the original tile floor has been repaired and restored. Custom-made wood cabinetry serves as the front serving counter, currently covered in movers’ blankets.
Meanwhile, the apartments above Grumpy’s new bakery and shop have also undergone extensive renovations. A photo from earlier this spring shows the old Judaica store, below.
They should keep the old Zelig type.
Yay! There is not a bakery in sight down here – we eagerly await Cafe Grumpy and their bakery in particular.