New cafe and caterer brings coffee, comestibles and cameraderie

SHARON — It hasn’t been open long — since Tuesday, Aug. 9, to be precise — but the storefront of J.P. Gifford Cafe & Catering Company is already bustling with business and excitement.

Co-owners Mike Moriarty and James Neunzig didn’t stray far from the successful formula they use at J.P. Gifford Market and Catering Company in Kent, although, as you can tell from the names, the new business is more cafe than market.

Moriarty is especially keen to show off the vast coffee and espresso menu, which includes locally roasted fair trade coffee.

“That one of the most exciting things about the new place.”

Daily specials supplement a seasonal menu that currently lists breakfast sandwiches and wraps, a breakfast burrito and smoked salmon on a bagel for breakfast, and sandwiches — including several vegetarian offerings — burgers, salads and noodle and grain bowls for lunch.

The cafe is open seven days a week, 6:30 a.m.  to 4 p.m.

Several customers I spoke to as they made purchases at J.P. Gifford seemed delighted to have the new business in town.

Karin Wexler said she was especially excited about the location because “35 years ago, the cafe was a deli.”

Leah Brady noted that as soon as she walked in, “there were already people I know. It will be a real meeting place.” 

J.P. Gifford Cafe & Catering Co. is located at 16 West Main St., just west of Main Street.