Owners Abigail Bravo and Giancarlo Bravo enjoy food tourism and have crafted the menu around their travels. The Cafe offers plant-based versions of classic items such as a bagel and Just Egg sandwich and a no-tuna melt sandwich.
Mayor Linda Tyer, Director of the Berkshire Immigrant Center Michelle Lopez, and other groups such as the 413 Latinas have visited to show their support.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new immigrant-owned cafe is serving up wholesome food and good vibes.
Cafe Full Cup, located in the Clocktower Business Center, opened earlier this month and has been well received by the community. Its name is inspired by optimism or looking at the glass half full instead of half empty.
The eatery features plant-based breakfast and lunch items, gluten-free options, and specialty drinks.
Owners Abigail Bravo and Giancarlo Bravo enjoy food tourism and have crafted the menu around their travels. She was born in Moldova, and he is originally from Venezuela with heritage in Italy and Ecuador.
"Why we even decided to have a cafe is we're really big foodies who love to travel. We love to kind of explore the world, travel through the food, and take in the cultures from around the world through the food," Abigail explained. "And we wanted to bring little bites of the world to the Berkshires, too. We love getting inspired by different recipes, and anytime we travel, we really like to explore the places and try to foods around the areas."
Cafe Full Cup celebrated its grand opening on Dec 16. Mayor Linda Tyer, Director of the Berkshire Immigrant Center Michelle Lopez, and other groups such as the 413 Latinas have visited to show their support.
The bowls, which contain grains, veggies, and protein topped with dressing, have been a popular item. Available options are the "Garden Bowl," the "Chick-a-Pea Bowl" and the "Viva La Bowl."
The Bravos designed their menu, storefront, and even logo by themselves. It was important for them to focus on sustainable ingredients while making sure there is something for everyone to eat.
The Cafe offers plant-based versions of classic items such as a bagel and Just Egg sandwich and a no-tuna melt sandwich.
This is the couple's first venture, but they have a clear vision for Cafe Full Cup.
Giancarlo has experience as a barista and said he wanted to make sure that customers are getting a high-quality cup of joe. This comes from a mixture of good equipment and technique.
"I think it's easy to lose appreciation of what goes into making a good cup of coffee," he said. "So we want to bring the craft back."
The duo met studying at Berkshire Community College and went on to complete degrees at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
In the last five years, they have heavily focused on food through traveling and cooking for family. The cafe came to fruition when the Bravos found the spot at The Clocktower, which was a perfect match because of the outdoor seating options and large windows.
The goal was to create a space that was cozy and encouraged people to come and gather. In theme with the name, the owners wanted to create a positive environment.
Both MassHire and BCC provided assistance with staffing and have been a go-to source for the new business owners.
The Bravos were pleased to report that since opening, their business has been supported by friends, family, former classmates, and strangers alike.
Cafe Full Cup is open from 7 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday and from 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday. Menu items can be ordered both online and in person.
The cafe is also on Facebook and Instagram @cafefullcup.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Friday Front Porch Feature: Allendale Pines North
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for an inexpensive home to raise your family in? Then this might be the home for you. And if not, there's a couple other options.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week we are showcasing model homes at Allendale Pines North.
Teton Management is opening its new manufactured housing development next Allendale Pines at 395 Cheshire Road, and has three different model homes to choose from.
All the models have three bedrooms and two baths in 1,280 square feet, and include two parking spaces. The Monroe full-porch is on the market for $194,900, Monroe half-porch $189,900, and The Aspire for $204,900. View a video tour here.
The lot rent is $550 a month and it includes trash removal and recycling, as well as water and sewer. Tenants are responsible for their own utilities and lawn care/snow removal. Dogs and cats are allowed, for up to two pets.
We spoke with Val Whaling from Teton Management about the new homes.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
The three models — Monroe Full- Porch, Monroe Half -Porch, and The Aspire — are Titan Home products manufactured by Champion Homes and stand out in the current market because:
The purchase price of these homes is well below current market rate single-family homes in Berkshire County.
The 5 Star Energy-Efficient rating (featuring energy-efficient windows and high- performance insulation) and one-year warranty on the home, sets these homes apart from older, stick-built homes.
These homes are built to strict HUD standards and include structural integrity in order to meet federal standards for durability, safety and wind resistance.
Are there any stand-out design features?
Stand out features include: open concept floorplan, covered porches, stainless steel appliances, large laundry room /mudrooms, and large glass walk-in showers.
What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?
First time homebuyers/ professionals preferring home ownership vs. renting, empty nesters wanting to downsize, and cost-conscious individuals preferring the affordability of these homes.
What's the neighborhood like?
Allendale Pines North will be comprised of 22 brand-new homes, on individual lots, set on beautiful property, neighboring the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. The property is located at 395 Cheshire Road, Pittsfield, offering proximity to retail shopping and dining. Additionally, Allendale Pines North property is well managed by a reputable owner/operator. (All adult community residents are approved via community application approval process.).
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
"Imagine the cost savings of owning a brand-new, energy-efficient home, easy to maintain and allowing the convenience of modern day and easy living, in a quiet, well-managed community."
What does the home come with?
Included are: Stainless steel Whirlpool appliances (refrigerator with icemaker, dishwasher, and gas stove/oven), and closets equipped with shelf/hanging rod. Plus an 8-by-10-foot Amish built shed, two wooden entrance stairs with wooden handrails and black wrought iron spindles, two-car driveway, sidewalks and brand-new water/sewer infrastructure.
You can find out more about these homes on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
Teton Management is opening its new manufactured housing development next Allendale Pines at 395 Cheshire Road, and has three different model homes to choose from.
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