NAZARETH, Pa. – A cozy, new spot for homemade quiches, soups, sandwiches, pastries, specialty drinks and more is coming soon to a historic building in Northampton County.
Circle Cafe on Main, a cafe inspired by European cafes and the owner’s desire to create a “community-centered gathering space,” is expected to open in mid-April at 2 N. Main St. in Nazareth, Owner Jennifer O’Neill told 69 News this week.
O’Neill, a longtime Nazareth resident, last year purchased the historic North Main Street property – dating to the early 19th century – and spent the next several months extensively renovating the building, which was most recently home to a salon.
Circle Cafe on Main, a cafe inspired by European cafes and the owner’s desire to create a “community-centered gathering space,” is coming soon to 2 N. Main St. in Nazareth.
Ryan Kneller
The property, located across from Nazareth Moravian Church in the borough’s circle, has rich history that O’Neill wished to maintain while also putting her own personal touch on it.
With help from the Moravian Historical Society, O’Neill recently learned that the building traces its origins to around 1820.
Allentown-based Lehigh Financial Group arranged the Small Business Administration loan that financed the purchase and renovations, and Lehigh Financial Group president Jeff Barber guided O’Neill through the loan process and also connected her with the professionals needed to bring her vision to life.
“I wouldn’t have gotten to the finish line without Jeff,” O’Neill said. “He knew everything, was always responsive, and genuinely cared about helping me get this business off the ground.”
Circle Cafe on Main, a cafe inspired by European cafes and the owner’s desire to create a “community-centered gathering space,” is coming soon to 2 N. Main St. in Nazareth.
Circle Cafe on Main
O’Neill, who spent over 20 years in corporate software sales, was inspired to make a professional change following a family trip to Europe and a growing desire to do something more meaningful and fulfilling.
When she discovered the historic stone building in the heart of Nazareth’s circle, she knew it was the perfect fit.
“It was everything I never knew I always wanted,” she said. “The windows, the views, the aesthetics of the building just spoke to me. I knew this was the place.”
O’Neill and a team of helpers implemented minimal structural changes while adding new flooring, fresh paint and a fully equipped kitchen housing a convection oven, commercial refrigerator and other professional-grade appliances.
“I originally thought we would open by Christmas, but this is my first rodeo,” O’Neill said with a laugh.
“So, there were some delays, including issues getting some of the equipment into the building. That’s been a majority of the work – setting up the kitchen, the ventilation and exhaust system and so forth. It’s been quite the transformation.”
Circle Cafe on Main will offer homemade quiches, soups, sandwiches and pastries, as well as convenient take-home dinners.
Circle Cafe on Main, a cafe inspired by European cafes and the owner’s desire to create a “community-centered gathering space,” is coming soon to 2 N. Main St. in Nazareth.
Circle Cafe on Main
There will be no deep fryers, and all items will be freshly made with care, including deli-style pasta and potato salads inspired by O’Neill’s New Jersey roots.
Menu highlights will include homemade focaccia and sandwiches such as chicken salad with grapes and slivered almonds on croissants and a “Main Street Meatloaf Melt” featuring homemade meatloaf and cheddar on ciabatta bread, O’Neill said.
“It’s about high-quality, convenient food that brings people together,” O’Neill said. “I want it to be a place where people feel at home, whether they’re stopping in for a quick lunch or spending an afternoon with friends.”
Made-from-scratch soups will rotate, and special dishes also will be regularly featured, O’Neill said.
“We may do a Flatbread Friday,” O’Neill added.
“I’ve also been getting inquiries about evening hours. So, after we’re settled, we might try doing a dinner one night a week – maybe a Thursday night, reservation-only kind of event with two seatings. We can have a lot of fun here, for sure.”
Circle Cafe on Main also will offer a rotating selection of to-go dinners such as homemade lasagna for busy, on-the-go individuals who want a homemade meal that they can heat up at home, O’Neill said.
For coffee, the cafe is partnering with West Chester-based Golden Valley Coffee Roasters.
Guests will be able to enjoy drip coffee, iced coffee and specialty coffee beverages such as cappuccino and lattes, along with other drinks such as homemade iced teas and lemonade.
Circle Cafe on Main, a cafe inspired by European cafes and the owner’s desire to create a “community-centered gathering space,” is coming soon to 2 N. Main St. in Nazareth.
Circle Cafe on Main
Circle Cafe on Main will feature a cozy, welcoming vibe with peacock wallpaper, vibrant green and blue walls and fun artwork.
Seating for around 20 guests will be available at a mix of lounge furniture and dining tables with chairs.
“We’re creating a space with a boho, historic vibe,” O’Neill said. “Think deep peacock walls, a velvet couch, and natural lighting that makes it warm and inviting.”
The cafe will occupy the building’s ground floor, and there’s also a possibility that operations could expand to the upstairs down the line, O’Neill said.
The tentative plan is for the cafe to operate 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, O’Neill said.
“I want this café to be a hub for the community and an extension of my family,” she said. “A place where people make memories.”
For the latest Circle Cafe on Main updates, including an official opening announcement, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram.