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Plans are underway for a new cafe and bar, The Grand Concourse, to open at the Metro-North train station in Poughkeepsie this fall. The space, previously occupied by De & De Cafe, will offer coffee and breakfast items in the morning and drinks and Mediterranean food in the evening. Commuters and tourists can enjoy both dine-in and takeaway options.
The Grand Concourse was approved at a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Finance Committee meeting on May 28. According to Times Union, the cafe aims to enhance the station's appeal by providing a new dining option. Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek expressed excitement about the new addition, citing increased ridership and interest from retailers in station spaces.
The venture is led by Andrew Loren and Patrick McLauchlan, a couple from Highland, New York. They were inspired to open the cafe after noticing the lack of coffee and breakfast options at the station. Loren and McLauchlan plan to create a welcoming space that respects the station's historic architecture, offering community activities like farmers markets and fairs.
The Grand Concourse will also feature about eight tables and barstools, with plans to obtain a liquor license to serve a full bar. As reported by the Poughkeepsie Journal, Loren and McLauchlan aim to transform the station from a pass-through location to a destination where people can pause and enjoy Poughkeepsie.