NAZARETH, Pa. – A cozy, new spot for homemade quiches, soups, flatbreads, pastries, specialty drinks and more is coming soon to a historic building in Northampton County.
Circle Cafe on Main, a café inspired by European cafes and owner Jennifer O’Neill’s desire to create a “community-centered gathering space,” is expected to open by Christmas at 2 N. Main St. in Nazareth, according to a news release.
O’Neill, a longtime Nazareth resident, purchased the historic North Main Street property – dating to the late 18th century – and is in the process of transforming the former salon into Circle Cafe on Main.
Allentown-based Lehigh Financial Group LLC arranged the SBA loan that financed the purchase and upcoming renovations.
Jeff Barber of Lehigh Financial Group guided O’Neill through the loan process and connected her with the professionals she 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.”
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.”
Circle Cafe on Main
Located across from Nazareth Moravian Church and near other community landmarks such as Nazareth Post Office and the seasonal Nazareth Farmers Market, the building is
“ideally situated for a café,” the release states.
O’Neill plans to implement minimal structural changes while adding new flooring, fresh paint and a fully equipped kitchen that will house a convection oven, commercial refrigerator and other professional-grade appliances.
“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.”
Circle Cafe on Main will offer homemade quiches, soups, flatbreads, and pastries, as well as convenient take-home dinners.
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.
Drinks will feature seasonal homemade iced teas, lemonade and coffee brewed from Electric City Roasting beans.
“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.”
O’Neill is overseeing the build-out in partnership with A&E Drafting.
Renovations are set to begin Tuesday, Oct. 14, and O’Neill is hopeful that construction will be completed in time for the borough’s holiday festivities.
“Opening by Christmas is the dream,” she said. “It would be amazing to open our doors when the town lights the tree and welcome people in for coffee and warmth.”
Financing for the project was secured through Lehigh Financial Group via an SBA loan, funded by 44 Business Capital, and the transaction was handled by Loren Speziale, Esq. of Gross McGinley LLP in Allentown.
O’Neill’s real estate agent was Allie Bennicas of the Cliff Lewis Experience Team.
Looking ahead, O’Neill envisions Circle Cafe on Main as more than just a business.
“It’s going to go so well that I’ll need to expand into the upstairs for more seating,” she said. “I want this café to be a hub for the community and an extension of my family. A place where people make memories.”
For the latest Circle Cafe on Main updates, follow the business’ Facebook page.