KATONAH, N.Y. Katonah residents soon will be sipping lattes and munching muffins in the neighborhoods brand new coffee house.
Tazza Café is set to open a branch at 197 Katonah Ave. in the former location of Perks Coffee & Tea Bar. Perks closed its doors March 31 after 15 years in operation.
Tazza owner James Monica said he is hoping to open within the next two months, with the date depending on the renovations. Most of the renovations are cosmetic, he said, and include redoing the counters, walls and floors.
We need to make it workable for our operation, which is different from Perks, said Monica, who owns Tazza locations in Armonk, Somers and Millwood in New York as well as in Ridgefield, Conn.
The cafe will have free Wi-Fi and a spacious seating area, making it a welcome study haven for patrons. Tazza will offer a full coffee and espresso menu, frozen drinks, smoothies and protein shakes, along with baked goods, wraps, salads, paninis and breakfast sandwiches.
When customers come to Tazza Café, they will be entering a place with friendly and helpful baristas who get to know their customers. Its what people expect in these small towns, he said.
It first and foremost will be about the atmosphere and the service, he said. We really try to make it a comfortable, welcome atmosphere for people, and hopefully they will want to be there every day.
Another business in a position to benefit from Tazzas regulars is Squires Family Clothing and Footwear, located next door in Village Commons, the commercial block the two will share.
Having Perks next door drew people, said Lloyd Kushner, owner of Squires. He said that having another coffee shop will be good for business, too.
Anything that brings people on a regular basis is positive."
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