Community coffee shop brewing
Citizen Cafe & Bakery has been in the making for six years for the sister-in-law duo of Brittany Brown and Nikita Brown.
“We wanted it to be a local, neighbourhood coffee shop,” Brittany said of the cafe, located on 23rd Street. “And this is an amazing space right in the warehouse district.”
Serving Caswell and the northern downtown area, the coffee shop has already developed a faithful following.
“We love the neighbourhood,” Nikita said. “We have customers that come in every day and we even know their kids’ names.”
A major potash company moving in down the block, the new police station and the extension of 25th Street bodes well for the area.
Brittany said Citizen is a place where everyone can feel comfortable.
Family and friends helped renovate the space, which features lounge and work areas, and a spot for children.
The pair have plenty of experience in the coffee shop and baking industry.
Brittany managed a food prep outlet and later came to the coffee shop Nikita was managing.
They honed their service and managerial skills, not to mention pouring that perfect latte, during that time.
“We wanted to do coffee, food and baking,” said Brittany, who travelled to Europe on a number of occasions gathering recipes.
The coffee shop serves sandwiches, soups, pastries and various treats.
They also have glutenfree and vegan items on the menu.
“And everything is made from scratch,” said Brittany, adding the baking is traditional with a modern twist.
Citizen will be hosting a block party Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along with Dance Studio and Hiddenstitch.
It will feature local artists, crafters, the Scout Mex Hall and Food Truck and face painting.
Citizen Cafe & Bakery is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sew and Home Furniture and Design has new owners.
Tracy and Luke Bentham have taken over the store located on First Avenue.
The 10,000- square- foot store offers furniture and decor, Hunter Douglas window coverings, custom draperies, lighting and art.
“We focus on modern and contemporary, but we also have traditional (designs),” Tracy said.
They have designers on staff to help customers.
And this summer Luke, a journeyman carpenter, will be constructing a design studio in the store.
The pair have spent a lot of time delving into design and architecture, even basing many of their travels around design shows.
“It was more of a hobby and then this opportunity presented itself,” Tracy said.
They can furnish pretty much any room in the house.
“We work with a lot of new homeowners and put together packages,” Tracy said.
“We have access to thousands of products.”
They have a number of exclusive suppliers including Gus, G Romano, Brownstone and Ion Design.
And most orders can be delivered within six to eight weeks, she said.
Tracy is a certified accountant.
She said owning a retail store fits in well with her and Luke’s young family.
And the furnishings go hand- in- hand with their other business of building spec homes, she added.
Sew and Home is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.