Mantua – Back in 2018, three couples shared the idea that coffee could connect a community. That shared vision was realized in the Restoration 44 Coffee Company (R44), where friends and families routinely gather. R44 is a partnership between three couples: locals Jamie and Carrie Leister and Dan and Linda Tillett; as well as Terry and Annette Tung from nearby Chagrin Falls.
Carrie Leister noted, “People from out of town come to Mantua intentionally,” she noted of R44’s role as a destination coffee shop. Yes, plenty of locals visit R44, but many ‘regulars’ come from further afield. Regulars like the father and son visit weekly from North Royalton; and a cyclist from Twinsburg who makes a daily stop at R44 during his rides around northeast Ohio to rest and refuel for the ride back home. R44 has become more than just a place for local friends and families to gather, but a destination for coffee aficionados as well. And the changes R44 brought included more than just a renovation of their iconic building. According to Dan Tillett, it changed the attitude in the Village. “What some considered an eyesore became a jewel of the town”, he shared.
Fueled by the support they received from the local community, the partners’ vision has expanded to include the space formerly occupied by Shaffer’s Meats. In 2019, Lisa and Tim Shaffer bought the shop (formerly K & K Meats) and expanded it to include the attorney office next door. Unfortunately, the Shaffers closed the doors due to health issues, and the community felt the loss of this local gem. According to Tillett, the space is well appointed for use as a butcher shop, with ample walk-in coolers and lots of prep space. Leister explained that now that R44 has taken possession of the space, it will undergo renovations and cosmetic changes to carry the look and feel of the R44 brand. For this new venture, new partners, Scott and Annette Downing from Hiram Township have joined the R44 team.
Terry Tung noted that the community has high expectations for the shop and remarked, “Everyone I’ve talked to is excited that the R44 group will be working on it.” He explained that R44 Butcher & Baker Shoppe will include the same quality products and great customer service that R44 is known for. While R44 Butcher & Baker will maintain many of the same vendors, they’ll also include new sources as well. Leister explained that R44 has a goal of supporting local merchants, and they’ll implement this in the new shop as well. The full service meat shop and deli will offer sandwiches and salads made to order. In time, they plan to offer fresh bread and bakery items made on-site, as well.
In addition, R44 Butcher & Baker will provide specialty items that augment meat offerings, like specialty seasonings, rubs, and the like. The shop will also offer a variety of locally-made home goods like those available at R44 Coffee. “We’re excited to be providing the local convenience of a butcher shop, and adding life to the village,” Tung remarked. “We’re looking forward to a fun fall holiday season in Mantua,” Leister added. “Come see us when it’s open,” Tillett urged.
While Tung manages R44 Coffee Company, the group has another individual in mind to manage R44 Butcher & Baker Shoppe. They anticipate opening the new business in November.
