ROCKPORT — The Blacksmith Shop restaurant, a destination for fine dining decades ago, will rise again as a restaurant with a mission of providing a workforce training center.
Closed since 2011, the landmark restaurant, at 23 Mt. Pleasant St., became an eyesore until this new vision took hold after years of planning.
To celebrate, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place Wednesday, July 9, at 5:30 p.m. for The Blacksmith Shop Cafe, which is a first step and is opening in what was the restaurant’s bakery at 21 Mt. Pleasant St. Locals already are stopping in for coffee and items such as chocolate croissants with young staff eager to help.
Thanks to the collaboration among the nonprofit Cape Ann Works, elected state and local officials, community members and local restaurants, The Blacksmith Shop was acquired and now will undergo a historic renovation, featuring a state-of-the-art kitchen, noted Cape Ann Works Executive Director Mechelle Brown.
“It will become a culinary arts and hospitality training center, complete with a year-round restaurant and workforce housing. As a stepping stone to this larger project, we are reopening what was once the bakery as a café, offering fresh-baked pastries, freshly brewed coffees and teas, and an assortment of salads and paninis. We are excited to move forward with this project,” Brown said in a prepared statement.
More information is available at capeannworks.com
Gail McCarthy may be contacted at 978-675-2706, or gmccarthy@northofboston.com.