The Place 2 Be, a breakfast/lunch eatery in Hartford’s South End, has set plans to open its second location in downtown space recently vacated by Sarah’s Coffee House.
Principal owner Gina Luari, who opened the restaurant’s Franklin Avenue location three years ago, on Monday said she plans to debut her next location in June at 257 Asylum St., at the corner of Asylum and Ann Uccello streets. Its opening date will vary depending on city permitting approvals, Luari said.
Sarah’s Coffee House, a benefits corporation owned by James Beaulieu, closed late last year after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October.
In the shadows of the Goodwin Square office tower, the downtown brunch and lunch spot will pivot as a fast-casual spinoff of the South End restaurant, she said. It will provide about 20 seats and a takeout area serving up similar brunch offerings, including its signature omelets, chicken waffles, milkshakes and mimosas.
Orders could also be placed through online food ordering platforms Uber Eats or Grubhub for delivery or pickup.
The exterior of the space will be entirely renovated with new facades, she said, adding the restaurant is also seeking city approval to paint a community mural along the side of the historic building facing Ann Uccello Street.
It will employ about 10 workers.
Luari, a former member of the Rocky Hill Chamber of Commerce, said she is confident her downtown operation will continue drawing a large base of customers from downtown Hartford.
Built in 1872, the five-story building where Place 2 Be plans its newest outpost is owned by Ron Morneault.
