We missed the wholesale grabbing of sofas, love seats and other eclectic furniture, when Cafe Eclectic threw its doors open Thursday for a free rummage sale. But on Friday, we just happened to be looking when landlord Dominick Restaino of Cuban Pete’s came to collect his last rent check and shake hands with Julio Valentin, Cafe Eclectic’s owner, who has now officially closed the longtime coffee house and Montclair favorite. The plans to shut down, due to disputes with Restaino, were made known this summer.
Valentin now moves on to his third career — his first, before Eclectic, was as a narcotics police officer in Newark — as a partner in Greenleaf Compassion, the medical marijuana franchise, which has been approved by the state and zoning authorities in Montclair to move into the space occupied by Inner Eye at 395 Bloomfield Ave.
Valentin told us the final hurdle in actually opening Greenleaf is the state background check. He and partner Joseph Stevens submit their applications Monday, and the state has 60 days to approve or deny.
Greenleaf Compassion plans to carry three strains of marijuana — weak, medium and strong — but none can exceed 10 percent THC by law. They will also carry lozenges and topical oils, but edible products have not been approved. There will also be no consumption on the premises.
As for longterm Cafe Eclectic barista Anthony Brinton, he’s walking away from the cafe with the espresso machine. But what he’s going to do with it is still a secret.
According to the Montclair Times, the Little Falls coffee shop A Fine Grind is negotiating a lease with Restaino.
Upgrades.
Godspeed, Anthony. I’ll follow you anywhere, dude.
Does anyone know why they had to vacate before the end of the month? It apparently came as a surprise to the people who worked there, if perhaps not to Valentin.
Best of luck to Julio and Anthony!
Also, ‘expresso’? Really?
Embarrassing typo. Fixed.
I figured that was just coffee served really quickly.
i feel a great swell of pity to what ever fool decides to rent space or do business with that individual. I know for sure , next occupant wont be seeing any of my money .Montclair you are not the cool place you used to be, such a shame.
The Fine Grind would be a great choice for this spot. I love the place, but I heard that the store/building is a mess and needs tons of work. Knowing the landlord, he won’t repair a thing. Also knowing the owners of The Fine Grind, they’re too savvy to let the landlord get away with not taking care of what are his responsibilities. Good luck Fine Grind!!!
A decision has been made about this space in Montclair…..The Fine Grind will NOT be taking it. I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason so something better is going to be right around the corner!
Everything may or may not happen for a reason, but that doesn’t mean it’s always good. But you know me, I hate to be a downer.