Courtyard Café Brings Outdoor Dining To The District
What comes to mind when you think about a thriving downtown? Probably many things… including good restaurants, specialty retail shops, and festivals. Another commonality among successful downtowns is outdoor dining, which brings a sense of vitality to a retail district.
Now imagine a quaint outdoor eating and gathering spot in the courtyard between One and Two Union Plaza. The Courtyard Café is New London Main Street's answer to the question of where to eat and gather outdoors in the downtown Historic Waterfront District. Main Street has partnered with Charlotte Hennegan, owner of the Thames River Greenery & Beanery, and with the owners of Union Plaza, to make the Café a reality.
According to Kathy Welliver, Main Street Board Member and Chairperson of the Courtyard Café committee, there will be four tables with chairs to start, as well as specially designed banners to decorate the space.
"People will be able to bring their own food, or purchase meals to go at any downtown restaurant, and eat and visit in the pleasant surroundings of the courtyard," she says.
"When the weather gets a bit warmer, we plan to have a cart where people can buy freshly made sandwiches and salads. Our ultimate goal is to have lighting for the evenings," Hennegen says. "We hope that the Courtyard Café will bring folks up from the transportation center and into downtown."
