Mantua – Something’s brewing in downtown Mantua. After 15 years, the vacant storefront at Main and Prospect streets is stirring with the promise of a new community gathering place in the form of a coffee shop. Restoration 44 Coffee Company (aka R44) is the shared dream of co-owners Terry Tung of Chagrin Falls, Dan Tillett of Mantua, and Jamie Leister, also of Mantua. They plan to start serving up java and more before the end of the year.
Along with their wives (Annette, Linda and Carrie, respectively), the co-owners look forward to “providing a coffee shop so people can make connections in a welcoming place,” says Tillett. “This means restoration for the building, restoration for our downtown, and restoration for our community members, who are thirsty for a good place to gather over a great cup of coffee.”
But before restoration comes renovation. That’s what Tillett and his crew from Troy Construction will be doing to the 1,500-square-foot commercial space that once housed Haylett’s grocery store and the Little Brown Jug restaurant. The structure encompasses three spaces, two of which will be occupied by the coffee shop.
In addition to the commercial structure, the new owners also have purchased the large Victorian home attached to the rear of the property. This 5,000-square-foot residence facing Main Street houses four apartments, which also will undergo renovation. Leister is responsible for its renovation and future rentals. “We will be restoring the home’s nine-and-a-half-foot ceilings and its other historic architectural characteristics,” he says.
Tung, meanwhile, is business manager of the new entity. He has been researching and selecting the best coffee beans, roasters and other suppliers to offer an appealing menu at Restoration 44 Coffee Company. He is developing partnerships with local coffee roasters who focus on ethical sourcing while delivering exceptional quality in their direct and fair-trade products.
Once the coffee shop opens, customers can expect to find free Wi-Fi service in an inviting, warm atmosphere. From the menu, they can order drip and pour-over coffees; espressos (including cappuccino, latte, americano, macchiato, mocha); iced beverages (coffee frappe, cold brew, iced coffee, iced latte); tea, hot chocolate, chai, smoothies; and food items including breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Tung says, “We plan to adjust our menu based on customer needs.”
“Having the opportunity to give back to the community through investing in a business that will provide a coffee shop gathering place experience was very appealing to us,”
Tung and his wife have lived in the area for almost 30 years, and have made many friends who live in the Mantua-Garrettsville area. “Having the opportunity to give back to the community through investing in a business that will provide a coffee shop gathering place experience was very appealing to us,” Tung says.
Jamie and Carrie Leister were born and raised in Mantua, and they are excited to take part in the downtown revitalization. “On a personal note, my Dad (Carl Zeleznik) had such a desire for this town to be restored and revitalized,” Carrie shares about her late father. “I know he would have jumped at this opportunity to invest in a place where people can embrace the important things in life —- to gather together. A coffee house is a great gathering place for the whole community.”
Meanwhile, restoration through renovation is in the works at 10675 Main Street. As Tillett put it, “We hope to bring restoration in the community and new life to the downtown through renovation of this structure —- the new home of R44 Coffee on Route 44.”
