The delayed and much anticipated new Connecticut cafe opened two weeks ago and already the cozy space is getting repeat customers, said delighted owner Jill Interlandi.
“People seem to be liking the space,” said Interlandi who poured her heart into creating the ambiance in Hartford’s DoNo Cafe. “I had a specific vision of what I wanted to create.”
That vision was for a gathering place people would like to visit if they’re having a great day or a bad day, she said. DoNo stands for Downtown North.
“It’s probably one of the most rewarding things,” to see people gather,” Interlandi said. “I love the people.”
Hartford Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Julio Concepcion believes in creating gathering spaces too.
“The shops that have recently opened up in the city serve much more than just coffee and tea,” he said. “They serve as meeting places for the community to come together and share ideas, concerns and hopes for Hartford. DoNo is another example of an incredible location that will serve as another living room for Hartford residents and visitors.”
Interlandi, who grew up in Danbury, and worked for many years as a bartender originally came to Hartford to attend nursing school at a time when everything was going remote during the pandemic.
She decided then that she wanted to go back into a business that brought people together, away from isolation and loneliness.
When she saw the empty storefront at The Pennant apartments, it spoke to her.
The area in what Interlandi calls her, “beautiful blank space,” had ceilings that were about 14 feet high and brought down to 12 feet with a drop ceiling.
The 1,600 square-foot space is opposite Dunkin’ Park, which she viewed as a good source of business during season. Dunkin’ Park is home of the Hartford Yard Goats. When there are events held she will stay open later.
The cafe carries all kinds of coffee drinks, hot chocolate and muffins, donuts, bagel, chocolate chip cookies and croissants fresh every day from a bakery in Queens.
They are adding smoothies and protein options to the menu.
Sometime in February, she will add breakfast sandwiches to the menu, but is still perfecting that menu and wants to make sure that offering can be delivered consistent in quality, Interlander said.
“I want to do it my way. Have everything made fresh,” she said.
She envisions fresh eggs, egg whites, custom smoked bacon, fresh avocado, cheeses and special sauce.
She said their house blend coffee “is something everyone can enjoy.”
The decor includes, a rustic look with two accent walls, one solid brick and the other of wallpaper she had custom made. The wallpaper is of a collage she put together of old photographs of Hartford, Hartford Courant newspapers going back to 1891 and family photos.
One of the photographs is of her maternal grandfather picking coffee beans in Puerto Rico, something he did for fun, along with roasting them, she said.
“Coffee runs in my blood,” she said, noting that on her mom’s side coffee always meant “gathering” and “happiness.”
Included in the photos of one of her beloved dad that’s “special.” He died during the cafe project.
“It’s been bitter sweet,” she said.
Reviews on line show that interlandi’s thoughtfully designed space is resonating with guests.
One reviewer wrote: “Absolutely amazing coffee shop! Stopped in this morning for a quick cup of coffee and was blown away by how great this place was. The staff was on point and they had a great variety of drinks to choose from. Highly recommended!”
Another wrote: “Great vibe, and Environment…”
Another review calls the interior of the cafe, “absolutely beautiful.”
“I got a latte and my daughter got a hot chocolate. Both were so delicious!! We enjoyed relaxing in the cozy sitting areas. Everyone was so friendly and inviting. We look forward to going back soon! Definitely our new favorite spot!” the review states.
A true believer in the potential for Hartford’s growth, Interlandi said she doesn’t view other cafes as competitors.
Each has unique atmosphere and products, she said.
“The more cafes, the more people a reason to come to Hartford,” she said. “I love the whole city feel – different cultures, events.”
The cafe is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hours may vary with special events at Dunkin’ Park.
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January 26, 2024 at 06:03PM
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Cozy new CT cafe will serve as 'another living room,' in 'incredible location' for customers - Hartford Courant
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