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07/24/2018 03:33 PMThe loss of Nautical Needles from town center was a blow to town center vitality, but with support from an ad hoc committee of the Board of Selectmen and a concerted effort by town center property owner Herb Clark, new businesses are now moving in to fill those holes.
Over the last month, two new businesses have opened in previously vacant storefronts facing the Town Green: the new Kite Shop on Westbrook Place and the new Westbrook Sandwich Shop on Essex Road. Additionally, a massage business will soon open its doors in the space next to GFit on Westbrook Place.
Redevelopment hasn’t been limited to properties adjacent the Town Green. Near the town center, another long-vacant storefront is getting a facelift and a new business will soon open there.
On Monday, Aug. 13, a new coffee shop will open in space vacant for the past eight months. In the storefront on the Boston Post Road near Trolley Road, town residents Joe and Julie Campbell plan a coffee house that will serve coffee and local baked goods from Cohen’s Bagels and Beach Donuts. It’s name will be Julie’s Cup of Joe and it will be open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., seven days a week to start.
“We’re taking over what was the Westbrook Coffee House and The Grind before that,” said Joe Campbell. “The big difference is that we plan to set it up to employ young men and women with some disabilities. We will work with VISTA, SARAH, and similar organizations to try to place their clients in the business.”
For Joe Campbell, who works at Westbrook High School, and Julie Campbell, who works for VISTA, helping young adults with disabilities to find employment opportunities in their new business is both exciting and a labor of love for them.
“We can make money and also help young people find employment,” said Joe.
First Selectman Noel Bishop said that he’s pleased that town center property owner Herb Clark has been working aggressively to find tenants to fill the open storefronts, and he’s thrilled about the Campbells new business.
“We’re filling those storefront vacancies,” said Bishop.
Julie’s Cup of Joe will have a soft opening on Monday, Aug. 13 and a grand opening for the community sometime in September.