ENTERTAINMENT

Lola's Cafe to open New Paltz restaurant

Geoffrey Wilson
Poughkeepsie Journal

NEW PALTZ - Ulster County customers with a taste for the sandwiches and wraps served up at Lola's Cafe in the City of Poughkeepsie will be happy to hear the eatery expanding to a second location.

Lola's Cafe in the City of Poughkeepsie.

Lola's Cafe plans to open in the Village of New Paltz by this summer, according to Edward Kowalski, chef and owner of both Lola's and Crave Restaurant & Lounge in the city.

"After 12 years at Lola's, we're confident in our model, and we feel it will do really well nearby another college," Kowalski said.

READ: Schatzi's opens New Paltz location

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Kowalski agreed to lease at 49 Main St., the former Neko Sushi location. While the project still requires some permits, the restaurant is expected to open in less than half a year, he said.

"We've met with the building department and have shown them some of our plans," Kowalski said. "They've been very accommodating. We're probably looking, if no problems arise, to open by June."

The New Paltz restaurant will be larger than the Poughkeepsie site, with about 45 seats indoors and 45 on the patio, he said. The eatery will offer the same menu as the city location, along with additional vegetarian options and blackboard specials. Hours of operation will also extend to accommodate dinner service.

Fans of Lola's expressed excitement at the opportunity to purchase their favorite foods in New Paltz.

Afton Tremaine, 25, of New Paltz, said she definitely plans to visit the village restaurant when it opens.

"I love their black bean burger," Tremaine said. "I'll be happy."

Lola's Cafe is the second Poughkeepsie eatery to expand recently into New Paltz, as Schatzi's Pub recently opened in the village.

"After doing plenty of catering in New Paltz, I think our additions to the menu will be welcome by the community," Kowalski said.

Senior staff with Lola's and Crave will be promoted to managerial positions and some will be moved to the new location. Kowalski will also hire to fill positions vacated by these new managers.

"This will be a good opportunity for all our employees to move up," Kowalski said. "Most of our staff has been here a long time."

Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4882, Twitter: Geoff_LW