New Cafe Opening in Pittsfield's Former 'That's A Wrap' Space
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new cafe is moving into the former That's A Wrap space at the corner of First and Fenn Streets.
Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham has submitted a request for a 10-minute parking-loading zone in front of 132 Fenn St. It was referred to the Traffic Commission after last Tuesday's City Council meeting under Rule 27.
The intent is to provide a commercial loading zone that doubles as a mobile pick-up space for Fenn Street and Howard Building businesses. This And That Sports, the Pixel Vault, and residential apartments are also in that building.
Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Managing Director Rebecca Brien spoke in support of the agenda item during public comment, reporting that Stellium Cafe will occupy the space.
She said DPI is looking for ways to set the coffee shop up for success from day one.
"Online ordering and pickup from their business is part of their business model, allowing them to diversify their revenue and better serve customers who may not have time to park and come inside," Brien reported.
"Having a designated short-term parking space nearby will make that possible from the start, while also helping to reduce double parking and congestion in that area."
According to the cafe's Facebook page, owners plan to open by the end of the year. Stellium's celestial logo features a moon and stars; its social media handle is written on the window.
The storefront's former occupant, That's A Wrap, closed during the pandemic after more than a decade of business. It has been vacant since 2021; rising costs and staff and product shortages were cited as pressures leading up to That's A Wrap's closure.
Pittsfield is often responding to challenges as they arrive, Brien said, and this is a great example of how working together ahead of time can address a business need before the doors even open.
"This may seem like a small change, but they can really make a difference for our small businesses, particularly those just getting started," she added.
The 10-minute parking sign is proposed to be located at the first parking spot to the West of the intersection of First Street and Fenn Street, specifically, the parking space in front of the cafe.
Next to the Howard Building is 100-116 Fenn St., which housed the former Highland Restaurant and is listed for $975,000.
The Highland Restaurant closed at the end of August after 90 years of serving pasta, seafood, and other Italian favorites. The owners are not selling the restaurant business, just the furnished space, and the building has leases in its other units, which include a dance studio and the Pittsfield Retirement Board.
Tags: new business, cafe, traffic commission,
