Cold River Cafe a hit in Charlemont

Greenfield Recorder 11/29/2014, Page C01

By DIANE BRONCACCIO Recorder Staff

CHARLEMONT — It’s been a long time coming, but the Cold River Cafe is now up and running and local residents seem delighted with the new breakfast and lunch eatery, as well as the expanded new Cold River Package Store and Market.

The new cafe had a “soft opening” last Saturday, and Kristie Faufaw and her husband, Michael Sisum, were surprised by the numbers of people who came.

“It’s been busier than expected,” said Sisum, who did some construction work on the new building. Construction on the new package store-market building and restaurant started about a year ago.Without a public water supply to draw from, Faufaw and Sisum were helped by Charlemont’s Board of Health and state Rep. Paul Mark to meet state regulations with a private well. The planning for this new complex began over two years ago. “Town officials were wicked supportive,” said Faufaw.

At breakfast time, a customer dug into a breakfast burrito that could have easily served two, or which could satisfy a voraciously hungry skier from nearby Berkshire East.

The menu and recipes were created by Peter Hadley, former co-owner of Brick Wall Bistro in Greenfield, and they offer something for everyone — burgers and salads, chicken wings and grilled Ruebens, gluten- free and vegan options. “Everything from a bacon double burger to a tofu veggie wrap,” says Hadley. Specialties include corn fritters with maple syrup, the “zip line” sandwich of sausage, avocado, cheddar and chipotle honey salsa. Another is the “Salmon Falls,” with is a bagel sandwich of smoked salmon, spinach, tomato, cucumber, onion and dill cream cheese.

For now, the cafe opens at 5 a.m., for coffees and pastries, breakfast from 6 a.m. to 11, and lunch until2 p.m.

As it gets going, the cafe may be open for dinners as well.

“With Zoar Outdoor and Berkshire East expanding their businesses, it’s good for us and for all Charlemont businesses,” Faufaw said. If they weren’t doing what they’re doing, we wouldn’t be doing this,” she said.

Indoors, the cafe seats 28, but in summer, there will be room for 40 more at outdoor tables.

In 2011, Faufaw, Sisum and co-owner Peter White bought the tiny old Cold River Package store, and later the next-door lot. The new package store and market has five more coolers than the original store. Besides having more inventory in the package store, the market also carries convenience food options, ice cream, gourmet candies and snack foods. The beer selection is extensive for such a small market, and the owners offer to bring in special requests from Faufaw’s Ryan and Casey store in Greenfield, known regionally for its large selection of craft brews.

Among the customers on a first visit to the cafe this week were Petra Krauledat and Peter Hansen of the nearby town of Florida.

“This is so necessary for this area,” said Krauledat.

“This is a real commitment for this area,” added Hansen. “I hope this is a harbinger of good things to come.”

The market and package store is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday andSaturday until 11 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; however, alcoholic beverages aren’t sold Sunday until 10 a.m.

The phone number is 413-339-0000.