All day today, coffee is free at Flowers Cafe at 355 Grand St. (at the corner of Grand and Essex streets).

It’s their way of celebrating the first day of school. The locally-owned restaurant is right across the street from Seward Park High School, and relies on students and teachers for much of its business. As previously reported, Dunkin’ Donuts has established a franchise two doors away from Flowers, so there’s some new competition. The Dunkin’ Donuts is scheduled to open tomorrow. While owner Bill Frazer is well aware of the new guys on the block, he’s not overly concerned. Last year he told us a Subway sandwich franchise at the corner of Grand and Ludlow streets has had very little impact on his business.