Construction is underway for a new Irwin’s Neighborhood Bakery and Cafe at 301 NE 65th Street in Green Lake. Irwin’s is already home to two other locations: Wallingford (2123 N. 40th St.) and Eastlake (1201 B. Eastlake Ave. E.). The new location will be on the corner of 65th and Latona, where PetDaddy was before someone crashed their truck into the store last year.
Irwin’s owner Linda Fecher gave us the scoop:
It’s official! Irwin’s is excited to be opening another location and construction is expected to be finished mid-April. This cafe will be similar to their 40th Street cafe, offering baked goods, breakfast, lunch, and, of course, coffee.
Irwin’s Bakery and Cafe is known for their delicious homemade scones, muffins, pies, best chocolate chip cookies and Caffe Vita Coffee.
Is this across the street from Cafe Lulu?
Yes, it’s across from Cafe Lulu.
Nom nom nom.
Gosh — I really hope this doesn’t drive Lulu out of business! I do like Irwin’s, but I can’t help feeling that Lulu and owner, Karen, will be the underdog in this head-to-head competition. I’d like to hope that Linda had a frank discussion with Karen before moving in on this territory.
The new Irwin’s will likely have better sitting space than Lulu, but I have to say that Lulu’s coffee and pastries are a good deal more affordable than Irwin’s. (Last time I checked, anyway…)
CTL — I agree… Iriwn’s is quite pricy. I find the service to be slow and the baristas to be more concerned with chatting than making drinks.
Favorite Wallingford coffee stops: Kuma Coffee and the Muddy Cup.
I’m not sure which is worse, Irwins coffee or their food. The location on 40th is a dump. I hope Cafe Lulu survives, I always liked that place.
I don’t think the new Irwin’s is supposed to be another coffee shop. I heard it’s going to be focused more on the bakery / lunch / deserts thing, in which case I think Irwin’s and Lulu will get along nicely. In fact I think Irwin’s will bring Lulu a bigger customer base than they have now.
Personally, I think a little more coffee, sugar and real, live conversation every now and then is a really good thing. So more of that doesn’t really have me quaking in my Wellies. I am happy to see a local business doing well and I am looking forward to checking it out. Way to go!
Hmm. I have a hard time believe that the new Irwin’s will bring more customers to Lulu. They both serve essentially the same menu (except Irwin’s may also serve soups and sandwiches, in addition to coffee and pastries.) Are you really imagining that people are going to go get coffee, lunch and a pastry at Irwin’s, and then happen to walk by Lulu on the way home and spontaneously decide to get another espresso drink and baked treat??? This image is quite a stretch for me.
I prefer Lulu’s food and coffee, as well as more reasonable prices. I really hope they make it after the new Irwin’s opens, but I’m definitely worried. They are the smaller business in this competition.
Remember, Only you can prevent the spread of negativity like wildfire in your neighborhood! I like to keep my options open and assume other consumers do the same. Similarly speaking of neighbors, some days you feel like Mona’s and other days you want Latona Pub, no biggie! I think Irwin’s presence in the neighborhood will only enhance the corner’s business for all in the area, and am optimistic for Cafe LuLu as well!