There's a new café and craft beer enterprise brewing in Alcona.
Located at 1041 Innisfil Beach Rd., Moon Café & Craft Beer celebrated its grand opening on the weekend.
As a family-run business that honours even their four-legged pet, it was apt that the Moon Café & Craft Beer’s grand opening coincided with a New Moon, which is known as a symbol of fresh beginnings.
“We are excited to welcome another new business to the town of Innisfil to serve our growing community,” said Mayor Lynn Dollin. “This will be a fun place to gather with friends and at the same time, support a local business.”
Members of town council joined local citizens and family and friends for a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was preceded by a speech from Dollin, and a message and certificate from Barrie-Innisfil MP, John Brassard, delivered on his behalf by Sarah Taylor.
Husband-and-wife co-owners Adam and Jessica Kurello say they are excited to share their passions with the community, as they have watched Alcona grow as residents for the past seven years.
When asked why they chose Moon Café & Craft Beer as their business’s name, the Kurellos explained that their children are fascinated by the moon and, as Jessica is very spiritual and interested in metaphysical and holistic health, Moon Café & Craft Beer was born.
The café offers Level Ground fair-trade coffee, which is a Canadian coffee roasting company based in British Columbia. They will be rotating blends, but they are currently offering Level Ground Andes Blend from Peru, as well as its espresso blend, and its decaf blend. Lattes, cappuccinos, tea, and hot chocolate are also on the menu.
As an avid coffee drinker, with an extensive background as a representative of Ontario craft spirits, beers, ciders, and wine and a career in hospitality management, Adam decided to combine his professional experience in the creation of the Kurellos’ new business.
He explained that approximately 30 different types of craft beer from 15 to 20 breweries are available, with four types on draught. Patrons are invited to enjoy in-house pints or purchase cans to take home.
“I think we really need a place to enjoy a coffee or craft beer. Anything that helps bring the community together is a winner in my books. Cheers,” Coun. Jennifer Richardson said.
In addition to offering Fox's Bakery bagels, muffins and soft pretzels, Moon Café & Craft Beer benefits from the expertise provided by a professional baker, Adam’s mother, Sue Kurello. She is excited to assist her son and daughter-in-law with their new venture, ans said she created a limited menu that she makes from scratch with high-quality ingredients.
Proud of all of her offerings — some of which were derived from family recipes — to start, “I would suggest the pecan squares. They're delicious. We also have a delicious lemon loaf,” Sue said.
There are gluten-free options, such as butter tarts, squares, and chocolate brownies. Sue also recommends their chocolate chip cookies, which are a bigger, flatter version of the classic treat that are “to die for.”
In an effort to give back, instead of charging for coffee on Jan. 21, the Kurellos accepted donations for the Lost Boys Hope Dog Rescue based in Barrie, as they adopted their beloved pet from them. Staff and volunteers from the rescue brought puppies and dogs to Moon Café & Craft Beer to celebrate the occasion.
“It's really awesome that they have invited us to be here (for their grand opening) … (and we were) able to bring the dogs," said Anne Winch, foster co-ordinator at Lost Boys Hope Dog Rescue.
"We are overwhelmed (by) exactly how busy it is today… everybody seems to be very happy to see the dogs and be involved with the Lost Boys and our rescue mission," Winch added.
Having four-legged friends in attendance was such a success that on Sunday, it was announced on Facebook that Moon Café & Craft Beer “confirmed with the health board, and we will permanently be pet-friendly. Well-behaved pets will always be welcome, (but) must be on a leash.”
Adam said he and his wife are thankful for the support.
“We were overwhelmed by the amazing support from the town and community. It was such a great turnout. We are so thankful for all the donations made to Lost Boys Hope. It was great being able to chat with everyone that came in," said Adam.
"We look forward to hosting special nights and events for the community to come together,” he noted, adding there are plans for a large patio in the spring.
Open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. from Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, whether the moon is waxing or waning, the Kurellos invite you to recharge with a coffee or enjoy a cool craft beer at Moon Café & Craft Beer.
Check out special events with later operating hours, like their upcoming Game Night on Wednesday, Feb. 1, and follow their Facebook page here.
