A cafe and an apparel store – both owned and operated by women – have come to downtown New Haven.
The businesses, SoBol New Haven and More Amour Boutique, are located in storefronts owned by Yale University Properties.
“We are delighted to continue to see the expansion of local, women-owned businesses in New Haven,” said Lauren Zucker, Yale University associate vice president for New Haven Affairs and University Properties, in an announcement.
David DelVecchio, director of real estate asset management and marketing, said SoBol opened last December, while More Amour opened in March.
“With class schedules, holidays and the pandemic, we never had a chance to announce their openings or hold official ribbon cuttings,” DelVecchio said. “Rather than waiting longer, we decided to announce them now.”
SoBol New Haven, located at 320 Congress Ave., focuses on healthy offerings, such as acai, dragon fruit, sunshine and super green bowls, and fruit smoothies.
Owner Patti Ochsendorf works at the cafe with her daughter Rebecca, who is the full-time manager.
“I chose New Haven to open my business because of the variety of businesses, vibrancy and high foot traffic,” Ochsendorf said.
More Amour Boutique is at 43 Whalley Ave. It sells women’s apparel and accessories.
Kimberly Sewell-Poole, the boutique’s owner, has been in the fashion industry for over a decade, and she previously worked for Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue before launching her own store.
According to Sewell-Poole, she would visit downtown while visiting family and decided to open her own store here.
“I immediately fell in love with the area,” she said.
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.
