The coffee shop planned for the prominent commercial space at Main Street at East Avenue, vacant since Ten Thousand Villages closed last May, is set to open next week, according to the new business’s owner.
Turkey native Esref Cezzar said Tuesday morning that he’s excited to introduce “nice, tasty specialty coffees” to New Canaanites at ‘Kaahve’ at 96 Main St.
“We’re going to have Turkish coffee, too,” Cezzar said from a spacious, naturally bright space that’s undergone a dramatic transformation from its retail predecessors. “We’re trying to create something a little different from the usual coffee shops.”
It’s on track to open in about one week to 10 days, he said.
Stressed wood tables and straight-backed chairs will combine with two large sofas to offer seating for up to 20 people, while a large new granite countertop is in place along one long wall of Kaahve (Turkish for ‘coffee’) and track lighting set amid the 10-foot-high, exposed ceiling.
Located on one of New Canaan’s busiest motor vehicle and pedestrian corners, Kaahve provides ample views of Main Street, East Avenue and Forest Street.
A Stamford resident who moved to the United States from his native country in 2002, Cezzar put about $90,000 of work into renovating the space, according to a building permit issued in December.
He said Kaahve will offer a regular menu of scones, muffins, croissants and other baked items with its hot and iced lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, hot chocolates teas and coffee.
Asked where he expected customers to park, Cezzar noted that there’s on-street parking on both sides of Kaahve (and more will free up once the Post Office opens later this year) and said he intends to serve many downtown workers and visitors who park at the Park Street and Playhouse Lots behind Town Hall.
Cezzar is actively hiring workers for the coffee shop and asks that those interested contact him at 203-979-9482.
Looking forward to Kaahve’s opening! An interesting new concept in a great location.