MIDDLETOWN – A new farm to table business, an artisan chocolate shop and a restaurant are the three enterprises selected to occupy the new space in the Rail Trail Commons project on North Street in Middletown.
Armed with funding from the state’s $10 million economic development grant for the city, the long-vacant Woolworth building has been converted into a new landscape to attract visitors to the downtown district.
Mayor Joseph DeStefano introduced the three businesses that have been selected and noted they will become part of the renaissance of the city.
“The changes that have been made over the years have made small progress and we have always taken a step or two forward,” the mayor said. “I really need to thank Empire State Development and the governor’s office. This is not a step forward; this is a huge leap for us.”
Cristina and Carlos Garcia will open Farmer & Baker, a farm to table business specializing in artisan breads, desserts and seasonal foods.
Painted Horse Chocolates, owned by Rachel Guarino, will be an artisan chocolate shop incorporating two former standalone businesses – fudge and old-fashioned kettle corn.
Oak & Reed, owned by Joseph Moore, Laura Moore and Trace Martin, will be a restaurant offering fresh, seasonal, mid-priced meals that provide something different than what is offered downtown and the surrounding areas.
Once final touches are done to the repurposed space, the entrepreneurs will set up shop.
