For a while, it seemed as if evil forces were working against Peggy Chapple and her daughter Meghan Peterson. They just couldn’t get the stars to align and complete the transformation of the former print shop on the corner of Hartford Avenue and Salmon Brook Street into the little coffee house of their dreams. Eventually it all came together and a soft opening was held on Oct. 12. From the size of the crowd that attended, it was clear that a lot of people were waiting for this to happen.
The idea for the coffee shop was born at an Amateur Athletic Union boys basketball tournament in Lancaster, Pa. Peterson was one of the attending parents whose conversation turned to coffee shops, and it was agreed that Granby could use a small independent one. Peterson was determined to make that happen. Always up for an adventure, Chapple tagged along. They decided the former print shop would be ideal, even though it had been empty for several years and had no running water, electricity, heating, cooling or parking lot. But the place was so cute. “What could go wrong?” Chapple remembers saying. The fact that those sophomore boys’ basketball players are now college freshmen tells you that a few things went wrong along the way.
The ladies credit building owner John Pagliaro with tirelessly restoring the building, starting with a new exterior, matching as much as possible the existing color and material. The interior of the building was completely gutted, and additional structural work was needed to bring it up to existing codes. Obviously, electricity and plumbing were essential. The cozy sitting area includes some of the building’s original wooden beams. The high ceiling and windows provide a natural brightness that is very welcoming.
The décor has a 1920s–1930s jazz era theme, reflected in the names of many of the available beverage and food items. In addition to regular and decaf coffee, there are many specialty coffees available, along with hot and cold espresso-based drinks, loose-leaf teas and hand-crafted refreshers. The signature drinks and refreshers are called Muses, and are named for historically influential women, such as The Louise, The Billie, The Frida, The Marlene. For the kids, there’s Jazz Baby (chocolate milk) and Bathtub Cocoa (hot chocolate.)
Breakfast sandwiches and pastries are available at breakfast time. Highly recommended is The Speakeasy: toasted sourdough with seasoned ricotta, prosciutto, fig jam, fresh thyme, honey and a balsamic glaze. There are very creative sandwiches at lunch time, such as The Orchard Press: pressed sourdough with sliced turkey, white cheddar, thinly sliced apples and Dijon mustard. The staff plans to add soups and salads to the menu as the season progresses. There will be some items already made up for the “grab and go” crowd.
There are other places in town where you can grab a morning coffee and pastry—what will make Vintage Press special? Chapple says that the location will appeal to many residents who live within walking distance and those who work in Granby’s center. The cozy décor and pleasant staff should bring customers in as the weather cools. As for now, the comfortable furniture on the outdoor patio is a plus, and seats were hard to come by on opening day.
Author’s Note: If you are interested in the history of the building going back to the 1800s, you may enjoy this link from the Salmon Brook Historical Society: salmonbrookhistoricalsociety.com/loomisbrothersstore2andprintshop. The overview notes that “The building is going to be removed for road improvements in 2020.”