TICONDEROGA — Gourmet coffee and fresh baked goods and bagels are offered at the new Champ Cafe in downtown Ticonderoga.
Owner Katie Andersen said “I am honestly living my dream” as she opened the doors on the breakfast nook and Punky Noodles Children’s Museum, soon to be joined by her next venture, Bug-A-Boo Daycare next door.
The Punky Noodles Children’s Museum provides a wide range of fun opportunities with child-focused programs, events, activities, and parties, Andersen said.
‘THIS IS IT’
A crowd of about 30 people showed up for her grand opening at 113 Montcalm St., next to House of Pizza.
“This has been quite a journey,” Andersen said. “I never thought I’d be able to buy my own building in the downtown area. This is it. We’re just going to keep going.”
Champ Café has coffee from Adirondack Coffee Roasters of Plattsburgh, and baked goods from Portia Burke of Sweet P’s Bake Shop and the Burleigh’s Luncheonette, and fresh, hand rolled New York style bagels.
The building Champ Cafe is in was built around the time of the Civil War, Ticonderoga Town Supervisor Mark Wright said.
“Many people have been rooting for Katie,” he said at the opening. “It fell into place. It’s a long dream. I’m happy Katie’s dreams have come to fruition.”
Andersen is one of those helping to build a strong future for Ticonderoga’s downtown, Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce President Matt Courtright said.
“It’s an exciting time to be in Ticonderoga,” he told the crowd. “We’re thankful Katie has chosen Ticonderoga to fulfill her dream. She’s shown a new direction to her community.”
‘SHE WANTS TO DO HER BEST’
Pride of Ticonderoga Executive Director Nicole Justice Green said she has a special connection to Andersen.
“When my family moved here I had no friends,” she said. “Katie was my only friend.”
Green’s office at Pride is next door to the Champ Cafe and Green said she sees how hard Andersen works to succeed.
“I see her work incredibly late nights,” Green said. “She wants to do her best for her community.”
Champ Cafe hours are Wednesday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Phone is 518 222-0378.