Kirstyn Lipson long dreamt about creating a business centered around food and community. This summer that dream will materialize in a new restaurant, Town House Cafe & Bistro.
Following the Nov. 18 Zoning Board of Appeals approval, preliminary plans are underway and doors will open this summer at 21 Cochituate Road.
Lipson fell in love with Massachusetts in college but left to pursue graduate studies and career opportunities. Four years ago she returned and settled in Wayland. She is especially fond of the Historic District and loves its liveliness and proximity to the rail trail and the library. When she discovered that 21 Cochituate Road was for sale, she deemed it the perfect spot for her future Bistro.
“The concept of Town House Cafe & Bistro has developed from my genuine passion to build community and foster connection,” Lipson said. “As a Wayland resident myself, I think Wayland is the perfect place to bring this project to life.
Throughout the years, the elegant white columned Greek Revival and Federal style building has housed a number of businesses ranging from market to office space. Now, with Lipson’s creative vision, the edifice will undergo a facelift. Many exciting restorations will correct the weary landmark while still complying with the regulations of the Wayland Historic Society. Lipson has thoroughly researched the building’s history and will pay homage to its past via names and decor.
The bistro’s first floor will boast a breakfast bar, booths, and a cozy fireplace. A flexible layout upstairs, with archways and French doors, will be able to remain open or separated into four separate settings – perfect for reserved and private events such as baby showers, family celebrations or book club meetings. Lipson has coined these four areas: Switchboard, Library, Study, and Marketplace. The building was once the home to Wayland’s first telephone switchboard in Lowell’s Market, and also served as a library, a school, and then two marketplaces.
An application for a rear patio that would seat 14-15 people is currently in the works.
Additionally, the bistro’s name was chosen in remembrance of Wayland’s first town hall that existed there in 1841, (when town halls were referred to as town houses). Lipson is so meticulous that even the original Collin’s Market sign will be hung inside to commemorate its heritage.
Lipson will intermingle her business knowledge in the food industry with her expertise of a professional chef and professional pastry chef to whip up breakfasts, lunches and dinners. For breakfast, customers can expect a bold array of coffees and teas, baked goods made on site, pancakes, and other breakfast foods. Lunch will consist of bistro style salads and sandwiches. Weekends will feature some welcomed events such as an extensive brunch, and an evening wine bar vibe for dinner. The new proprietor even plans to bring high tea to the Metrowest.
“One of the offerings I’m most excited about is our traditional afternoon tea service ,” she said.
“I have long been a fan of afternoon teas and always seek out this experience when I travel, especially in Europe. Town House’s afternoon tea service will be styled after the English service: three tiers of treats will accompany a pot of the guest’s tea of choice. The tiers will feature scones, finger sandwiches, and a rotating selection of petit fours (small, bite sized sweet treats) with a distinct European flair.”
With its wafting scents of earthy coffee and savory sweets, one Wayland’s most beautiful architectural buildings will experience a return to its earlier roots and provide a place for the community to gather and eat.
“I am thrilled to take the community along on the journey in the coming months of restoring the Collins Market building to a bustling, welcoming community pillar, and can’t wait to open Town House’s doors this summer.”
