CHESTER–After a soft opening in December, Carm’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop is ready to celebrate its formal grand opening alongside the new Gateway Hilltowns Visitor Center, both located in the historic building at 241 Route 20 in Chester.
The grand opening and ribbon-cutting will be held Jan. 27, from 10 to 11 a.m., with regular open hours before and after for breakfast and lunch.
The iconic location is recognized by locals and passers-by for the unique architectural structure and distinctive antique red horse logo sign from its past as a Mobil Gas station and mechanic shop.
Led by the vision of new owners Erin Patrick and Aaron Allen, Historic Route 20’s President and Founder Bryan Farr and Hilltown Economic Development Director Jeanne LeClair, this project has brought together the best of Chester and the Hilltowns to make a warm, welcoming place for the community to gather and a base camp for like-minded organizations and visitors to explore and appreciate all that the area has to offer.
Carm’s Restaurant will be open seven days a week, from 6:30 a.m. -3:30 .p.m, serving breakfast, lunch, and coffee in a casual setting. All are welcome to come in for a bite, stay for a chat, or just grab some joe to go, said the owners.
Erin Patrick and Aaron Allen, new owners of Carm’s Restaurant in Chester, celebrating its Grand Opening Monday at 10 a.m. (Photo submitted)
Carm’s is the second Chester restaurant for Patrick and Allen, who also own the Chester Common Table, a community gathering place at 30 Main St. which serves farm fresh takes on comfort food classics. Chester Common Table also features local beers, quality wines, creative cocktails, and specials based on what is growing in the neighborhood and their daily whims. The restaurant hosts live music every Friday night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., and is the site for many special events in town.
The Visitor’s Center aims to partner with other local organizations such as the Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway, Historical Societies, Highlands Footpath, and others looking to share information with visitors and residents. Additional regional and state support for more improvements and upgraded facilities over the next several months hope to make the Visitor Center a valuable launch pad for outdoor recreation, small business, and community-oriented economic development.
