Luma's and New Creperie May Open in North Adams
 Luma's Muffin & Mug may be moving down Main Street while its former location, above, becomes Oh, Crepe. |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The void left by the closure of Luma's Muffin & Mug on Main Street maybe filled twice over - once by Luma's itself.
Owners Nicole and Glenn Maloney have indicated the shuttered bakery and coffee shop may have found right space on Main Street.
"Last week we did look at a space downtown that is still in need of renovation. We are planning to monitor the work in the space and to continue to work with the landlord to see if we can put together a viable plan that will work in the space and in downtown North Adams," Glenn Maloney said in an email. "Despite the recent business closures, we do believe that downtown North Adams is still a viable place to do business."
Luma's closed and moved out of the space it sublet in Berkshire Emporium in October. Nicole Maloney had cited a desire to have her own space and the ability to expand. Spaces they had looked earlier in the year had been too big so the business closed until they could find the right fit.
But the spot she left behind at Emporium may be the perfect size for Oh, Crepe!, a venture of Emily Schiavoni and her husband, Benjamin Lamb, a city councilor.
"We've wanted to do this for a long time, and it was one of those things where you need to hit the iron when it's hot," Benjamin Lamb wrote in response to questions. "Neither my wife nor I are quitting our full-time jobs, but rather are putting a manager in place to run the day to day operations."
Oh, Crepe is using an Indiegogo campaign to help launch the business; Lamb said they are applying for a loan to buy equipment. He's hoping to be in business by late January but said it could take longer.
He's sure there's room for a creperie in North Adams.
"We do, actually. It's a very utilitarian food, good for breakfast, lunch and dessert fillings," he wrote. "So we are essentially looking at it almost like a sandwich or a wrap. We have a rather thick French heritage here in North Adams, too. While we know it will take some food education to create 'converts' this is something that is easy to access, delicious, and user friendly."
The shop will focus on local produce and offer gluten-free options, as well as baked goods for the not-yet crepe converted. They've selected Assembly Coffee Roasters, a new business out of Pittsfield, for its coffees.
"On top of crepes, we'll be selling some awesome coffee and tea, as well as some standard baked goods for folks who don't want a made-to-order crepe. Additionally, we're going to sell the items used in our crepes to give easier access to locally made food items year round in the heart of downtown," said Lamb.
Glenn Maloney said they were excited to see the Lambs trying out their old space but were now looking for ways to differentiate Luma's to make sure it was "unique, sustainable, and has the potential to be as successful as the first version."
"We understand the benefits and challenges of that space and wish them well. We do also realize we must evolve our future plans, as it is critical to make sure we create diversity in our downtown," he said. "We plan to make a decision on the viability of a relaunch by the end of the year."
Tags: new business, coffeeshop, Main Street, relocation,
