Susan's Café serves up memorable atmosphere, fare

PRIME – May 2013 By Lori Szepelak lorio@thereminder.com HOLYOKE, Mass. – Susan Goff and Larry Cromack of Chicopee, Mass. have put their passion and expertise together to open Susan's Café at 930 Hampden St. For anyone who remembers the old-fashioned soda fountain businesses – a visit to Susan's Café will bring back those memories with its tin ceiling and majestic crown moldings and hand carvings in the original woodwork. Additionally, the breakfast bar area has beautiful Italian marble that accents the polished counter top. "Larry is especially famous for his pancakes that are so big they don't fit on a plate," said Goff, noting that all of their offerings are considered "home-style cooking." Cromack hits the ground running each day at 4:30 a.m., and revels in prepping the kitchen for the daily specials and regular staples offered. Goff continues to work her full-time job with Avery Dennison and comes in weekends to handle the accounting aspects of the business. "We appreciate everyone who comes through our door," he said. Their official grand opening was April 9 with a ribbon cutting, however, they opened their café during the St. Patrick's Day weekend celebration. A brightly decorated chalkboard behind the breakfast bar showcases the specials for the day and on this day, a Breakfast Burrito was priced at $4.99, Strawberry Pancakes with homemade whipped cream was $3.99, Blueberry French Toast was $3.99, and for lunch, Chili by the cup was $2.95, a bowl, $3.95, or a Chili Dog with potato salad for $5.99. The breakfast menu includes "classic breakfasts," ranging in price from $2.50 for one egg and toast to two eggs with toast and your choice of bacon, ham, sausage, corned beef or kielbasa for $5.95. Omelettes, which are "huge and fluffy" according to Cromack, are served with toast and come in a wide variety and are priced from $4 for the standard egg and cheese, to an omelette with shaved steak and cheese for $5.50. Breakfast sandwiches are also available on water rolls, croissants, white, wheat, or rye toast, bagels, English muffins or a pretzel roll. Pancakes are a specialty of Cromack and there are a variety of choices ranging from blueberry, strawberry and chocolate chip. Cromack will soon be offering a banana pancake to the lineup. Cromack also takes pride in his grilled flat bread breakfast pizza which has been a hit with the breakfast crowd. Toppings can include onions, peppers, mushrooms, bacon, ham or sausage. For area residents who relish pierogies, Cromack makes a Breakfast Pierogies Special which includes four apple cinnamon or blueberry pierogies with sour cream for $4.50. For the luncheon crowd, a plethora of cold and grilled sandwiches are offered and are accompanied by potato chips and pickle or cole slaw. Burgers also come in a variety of options and all are served with lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, pickle or cole slaw and chips. Wraps, salads, and quesadillas round out the lunch offerings. Soups also come in a variety of choices daily and can range from Chili, Chicken Noodle or Baked Potato and Bacon with cheddar cheese, to Italian Wedding, Tuscan Minestrone, or Hamburger. Cromack expects to debut a Cheeseburger Soup in the coming weeks. "We keep changing it up," he said. "We listen to what our customers want." A children's menu includes chicken fingers, grilled cheese sandwich or hot dog, all served with fries, for $3, or "The Bennet," a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with chips for $2.75. Milkshakes, root beer floats, a variety of sodas, and coffee, tea or hot chocolate are also available. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are all served in the old fashioned Irish Coffee Cup. "It was a must when we opened the café," said Goff. What meal wouldn't be complete without dessert? All ice cream is purchased through All Star Dairy, and a pastry case is filled with specialties that Cromack creates. He is especially proud of the Oreo Cheesecake Cookie for $1. "We want to be sure our large portions are reasonably priced," he said. The engaged couple chose Holyoke to open their café after looking at various sites across the valley. "Once a Holyoker, always a Holyoker," Goff said, noting she grew up in the city and loves all of its history. "People come in and share their stories of the neighborhood. We love to hear their stories." Cromack noted that they use local businesses for their needs including All Star Dairy, Arnold's, Diane's Bakery, Simos, and Thompsons. "It is important to support local business," he said, adding that the items they purchase are "fresh." As the couple launch their 68-seat endeavor, they are assisted by Deb Frady as hostess, as well as several full-time and part-time staff. Catering is also available weekdays in Holyoke, South Hadley and Chicopee, Mass. "We'll deliver to your work site," said Cromack, noting that at times construction crews in particular may have a difficult time leaving for lunch. Free WiFi is available for those eating in the café, as well as the daily newspaper to peruse. Fresh flowers also adorn all of the tables in the café. Susan's Café is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 413-437-7530. For catering details, call 413-575-5500.