BANGOR, Maine — The West Market Square Artisan Coffeehouse, located in the Charles Inn, will open at 7 a.m. Monday.
Owner Cheryl Michaud announce the opening, originally set for the end of March, on the shop’s Facebook page and on a sign in the window.
The shop is located in the space formerly occupied by the Big Easy Lounge. The hotel’s former owner, Connie Boivin, and bar manager Paul Beaulieu parted ways after an episode of The Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible” was shot at the inn in July 2015.
Boivin subsequently sold the hotel to Leeanne and Allan Hewey in September. Michaud in February announced plans for the coffeehouse.
“There’s so much going on in Bangor now,” she said. “There’s a vibrant feel that hasn’t been here in past years. It seemed like a really good time to bring something like this to downtown.”
Michaud said in February that she is committed to using locally sourced ingredients as much as possible.
Tandem Coffee Roasters in Portland will roast all the beans, so those who come in for a cup of coffee can expect nothing less than the freshest Michaud can offer.
“Our beans will be no more than a couple weeks out from being roasted when they’re served — they’ll be very fresh,” she said.
West Market Square Artisan Coffeehouse will use milk from Siberia Farms in Hermon and tea from Tea Maineia in Winterport. There also will be treats to satisfy, such as pastries from local bakers, and some light lunch items.
Michaud is focused on creating a comfortable and unintimidating atmosphere for patrons to feel welcome.
“I don’t want people to think that this is some kind of specialty coffeehouse where they won’t know what to order — no, all of us working there will be happy to share information with you,” she said. Michaud is creating a place for anyone — those who might want a quick cup of coffee on the go, or those who want an experience.
“I see it as a little bit a of a ‘Cheers’ environment, but with coffee,” Michaud said. “It’s about coffee and community.”
West Market Square Artisan Coffeehouse will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
BDN writer Shelby Hartin contributed to this report.