Mercat by 1915, a cafe and market, is the latest business to open at 40 Cannon in the town of Poughkeepsie.
Russel, Elke and Kai Beck, owners of 1915 Wine Cellar on the lobby level of 40 Cannon, took over the former Café 40 space earlier this year and have been in the “soft opening” phase since April 7.
Located above the wine bar, Mercat by 1915 serves coffee — expect to find brews from Partners coffee roasters in Brooklyn — as well as breakfast bites including croissants and rolls, entrees for lunch like their chicken salad sandwich, as well as meats and cheeses found in the wine bar.
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“This place was rented out and we said, ‘You know what? Let’s take advantage of this and do kind of a continuous flow of business from top to bottom,'” Kai Beck said.
Cafe 40, which opened in 2019 and sold handmade coffee, baked goods and giftware, had its last day of business in February.
Beck said it was important to offer unique items to Mercat in 1915. “One of the great things about Mercat is bringing the things we serve downstairs – that people can’t find anywhere – here.”
Thus, customers will find Truff oils and sauces, imported Italian pistachio cream, scratch pastes, chocolate, offers from Kansas City Canning Co. and treats for dogs and cats from Bocce’s Bakery, among the market items.
“It’s about connecting people with products they may not have had access to before, but (customers) also know that I’m not just throwing them off the shelf; I’ve tried everything. “, said Kai Beck. “A guy came over and was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m from Kansas City and I haven’t seen Kansas City Canning Co. since I got here.'”
With exposed brick walls, bookshelves and a steel postal cabinet salvaged from the original building – which burned down twice – Le Mercat in 1915 does an excellent job of fusing the chill atmosphere of a cafe with history of the building.
The brick is broken up by a floral fresco that gives the space a splash of color. There are tables and chairs for customers who wish to stay and enjoy their purchases, but they are also welcome to take their groceries.
“I want to create a place where I want to come. I want people to have the same vibe and feel comfortable like they’re at home,” Beck said. “You can sit here and work for hours, I don’t care as long as you order coffee.”
Beck said the key to their success is the town of Poughkeepsie and its other businesses.
“I’m huge on the ecosystem that is Poughkeepsie,” Beck said. “We all have to work together, talk to people from other businesses, make sure people go to different places. We’re all in this together.”
Mercat by 1915 is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To go: Mercat in 1915, 40 Cannon St., Poughkeepsie. facebook.com/mercatby1915
Heather Clark covers business openings and closings throughout the Hudson Valley. Contact Clark by email, [email protected].
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