May 13, 2014 By Christian Murray
The much-awaited outdoor café at Hunters Point South Park is scheduled to open next week.
The establishment, called “LIC Landing by Coffeed,” will be located next to the East River Ferry Terminal and will consist of a kiosk, a large sit-down area and a 2,000 square foot event area.
Frank Raffaele, the chief executive of Coffeed, said the café will be serving a full menu—such as coffee, tea, wine, beer, pastries, burgers and salads.
Raffaele said that there will be 160 seats at the café and that there will be waiter service under the canopy. However, it is anticipated that many customers will buy their items directly from the kiosk to go.
The 2,000 square feet of event space will be available for private functions such as weddings and corporate events. Raffaele said that Coffeed will start making the space available once the cafe opens next week.
However, during hours when the event space is not rented, it will be available for community-based groups without charge.
“We expect this to become a destination and we want it to be a real draw for both tourists and residents,” Raffaele said. “This park is the jewel of Queens and we want to promote that.”
Raffaele said that there will be a big emphasis on selling locally-grown produce at LIC Landing, much like its other three cafes. For instance, some of the produce will come from Brooklyn Grange, a roof-top farm located out of 37-18 Northern Blvd where Coffeed’s flagship store is located.
LIC Landing will also be allocating 3% of its sales revenue to the Friends of Hunters Point Parks Conservancy, a group that supports the use and upkeep of neighborhood parks.
The café will be open 7-days per week from 6:30 am until 10 pm.
7 Comments
Does anyone know the date it will be opening? Thanks!
As someone who lives near this park I’m protesting the use of their outdoor space! I shouldn’t be forced to hear people having fun all hours of the day.
Ha, just kidding.
Where is there 2000 sq feet for an ‘event space’ ?
Great addition indeed! Agree with Jo, I hope they will be responsible for the litter their patrons will produce in the area.
Great addition to LIC!
I just pray the park stays clean
Can’t wait.