A New Cafe is Welcoming People in Downtown Pittsfield
Handcrafted is located at 26 Dunham Mall, in the former Amazing Pavilion.
Owner Justin Carafotes and general manager Quinn Burnell said Handcrafted Catering and Events will continue its established business but they're opening what they describe as a creative studio to enjoy their fresh, made-from-scratch, seasonal fare.
"We're looking forward to welcoming everyone into the space to not only just have a nice bite of food, but as a space to socialize and spend some time and enjoy downtown Pittsfield," Burnell said. "We really much believe in the revitalization of downtown Pittsfield, and we're excited to be a driving force of that."
The company was established in New York City, according to its website, and has commercial kitchens in Boston and the Berkshires, offering services throughout the region.
The two got the space two years ago transforming it from a restaurant into a more creative space.
"This was Amazing Pavilion, a Chinese restaurant for a quarter of a century. So that was encouraging," Carafotes said. "And we've met many people here that have grown up here or lived here for a long time, and remember having a meal ... and we'll hear stories about even before that, how it was like a bar ...
"There's a lot of vacancies, and if we can kind of maybe be a driver of attracting more here with art and culture and design and younger entrepreneurs."
Their opening comes as Pittsfield Marketplace Cafe, a North Street mainstay, closed this past month after 15 years.
The Handcrafted sources from local farms and everything is made fresh, and customers can expect the same with the breakfast and lunch options, they said.
"Fresh salads, fresh sandwiches. We're making our own Tuscan bread in house and again fresh, like leaning on that cooperation with farms in the seasons," Carafotes said. "So the thing guests can also expect a lot of rotating menu options, a lot of new specials. Again, just cooperating with the seasons."
People should realize the space will never look one way because it is always changing, they said, whether it's because it's rented for an event, or a local artist is utilizing part of it.
"The space is sort of this developing, ever-changing space, you know that we're welcoming people into what we refer to as the studio, or almost like the culinary lab, we're developing new concepts and such in this space," Carafotes said. "So, you know, you might come in on a Tuesday and it looks one way, or you come in on a Thursday and we're making fresh bread out here."
The two also want to create jobs and introduce the younger generation to culinary arts.
"I think, in five years, we hope to be established and recognized, really, as a culinary and hospitality leader in the region," Carafotes said. "And we're already interacting with MassHire, with [Berkshire Community College's] culinary program, with interns and service training.
"We hope to be a driver for a lot of young folks that might want to look at hospitality for their career in doing really, pretty robust service, trainings and programs right here in downtown Pittsfield for the region as a whole."
They hope to also have popups in the space and art receptions. They can be reached through the website.
Handcrafted Catering and Events had a soft opening Tuesday and will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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