Kava Press opens in Rivoli block
Date: 8/29/2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.comCHICOPEE — Kava Press, the latest addition to the former Rivoli Theater complex opened last week and building owner Eugene Wargulewski said that more improvements would follow.
Speaking at the opening of the new coffee shop, Wargulewski said he intends to open a deli in the storefront area and the second floor offices have been renovated and are ready to rent.
The plans for the theater itself have been scaled down, he said, but are moving forward with the concept of the theater as a multi-purpose dance club. Originally, he had planned to build a second floor mezzanine with a bar, but now there will be just one level to the building.
Wargulewski said he is now looking for contractors to finish the project.
In the meantime, Kava Press was packed with people for its opening. Owner Lyudmila Shumska is offering a wide selection of teas, smoothies and espresso drinks, beside baked goods and sandwiches.
She is offering brewed coffees as well as Turkish and French presses. She also bakes many of the pastries herself. What items she doesn't produce herself, she buys from local bakeries.
She also has European milkshakes on her menu, which she said, "reminds me of my country." One flavor uses apricot pulp and juice with milk and vanilla ice cream while another uses plum juice.
The offerings reflect Shumska's Eastern European heritage. Although she is Ukrainian, she has lived in Latvia and Poland.
The shop's décor features sofas, a fireplace, a collection of books and magazines and free Wi-Fi.
Looking around her shop, she said, "This is a dream that has come true. I really like this city."
Kava Press is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and has a Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/KavaPress and a website at
www.kavapress.com.
