European-style cafe coming to Cedar Street Bridge
SANDPOINT — German-born Manuela Frazier is introducing to Sandpoint the one thing she and her family miss the most from Europe — a cafe in a flourishing, picturesque setting where family and friends can gather to savor aromatic coffee drinks, gelatos, pastries, fine chocolates and panini sandwiches.
"We want our customers to feel welcome and provide a warm, engaging atmosphere around them," Frazier, who has proudly announced the lease signing for her space at the front of Cedar Street Bridge Public Market in downtown Sandpoint said. "Mostly, I hope to share my passion for delicious desserts, exceptional coffees and teas, and outstanding service."
The cafe's appeal will be the intertwining of European delicacies and traditions with the hospitality and ambiance of beautiful North Idaho, Frazier said.
The Cedar Street Bridge Cafe will be a local gathering place for family, old friends and for forging new friendships.
"We want to create a place people can come to after an evening at The Panida or are simply out for a stroll," she said.
Frazier said customers will be able to enjoy premium gelato or pastries, including a slice of home-made cake (kuchen), using only the finest, wholesome ingredients and fresh fruits. If desserts or premium chocolates aren't enough to entice, customers can choose from her sampling of hearty Italian, Spanish and domestic cured meats and cheeses.
Signature coffee and tea drinks will quench any thirst with the hiring of Shannon Thompson.
Thompson has several years of experience in the coffee industry as a shop manager and master barista. She is currently developing several blends to satisfy any discerning enthusiast.
The plan is to roast the coffee on site utilizing a world class coffee roaster from Sandpoint's own Diedrich Manufacturing, Inc.
John Gillham of Clear Visions, LLC, owner of the Cedar Street Bridge is pleased to welcome the cafe to the bridge.
"My partner and I have been very selective about the retailers we are placing. We envision the bridge to be a dynamic shopping and eating experience and have therefore taken our time with filling the retail spaces with the right mix," Gillham said. "For that reason, we are thrilled to have The Cedar Street Bridge Cafe at the entrance to the market, and spilling out onto the sidewalk."
An opening date for the cafe has not been set.
"We have too much to do at this point to be able to commit to an opening date and we don't want to disappoint anyone," Frazier said. "I'm ordering equipment from Italy and still selecting my vendors."