One of my favourite restaurants to open over the past couple of years is Published on Main with creative chef Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson leading the kitchen. The team behind this restaurant is about to open another down the street at 2650 Main Street in Mount Pleasant.
The next chapter at is currently being written, as the team behind Published on Main prepares to release Novella in early 2022. A coffee bar, breakfast spot, and neighbourhood grocer all-in-one, the new destination will connect small producers to guests through coffee, food, and collaboration.
The 3,200-square-foot space, currently designed by Establishment Interiors, will be made for gatherings, working, and dining in the brightly lit front, while the back is designed for lounging, reading, and conversation – all enjoyed over an exceptional brewed cup of coffee and elevated breakfast and brunch menu items.
“When we were developing Novella, we didn’t want it to be just a cafe, but a dynamic place for guests to start their day, to discover local brands, and to have some of the best coffee and breakfast food Mount Pleasant has to offer,” says Cody Allmin, proprietor of Novella, Published on Main, as well as co-founder of Twin Sails Brewing. “Collaboration within the community is going to be a big focus for us, especially with our background in the beer industry. Collaboration has allowed that industry to grow dramatically over the years, so why not with coffee?”
Novella will be looking to partner with roasters from around the city to offer a rotating selection of beans to guests, in addition to developing unique house blends through collaborations. It will also stock pastries and sweets from select local partners as well.
The food program is currently being fine-tuned and led by the talented chefs team of Published on Main’s executive chef Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson and Novella’s incoming chef Ash Kurtz. Kurtz previously served as chef de cuisine at Vancouver’s celebrated St. Lawrence Restaurant for four years.
“We’re definitely putting an emphasis on breakfast during our menu development,” says Kurtz. “It’s the most important meal of the day, and we’re getting creative, but keeping things uncomplicated at the same time.”
Novella will also feature a micro-grocer section, highlighting a selection of curated goods, including house-made sourdough and beloved community brands.
More information to come in 2022.
Novella is opening at 2650 Main Street in Vancouver. You can follow them on Instagram
By: Richard Wolak