Staff Writer: Sara Lawrence
Chic comfort and historic beauty have come to Wingate in the form of Java the Cup, a coffee shop that recently opened on North Main St. The shop held its grand opening last Tuesday, November 5, welcoming students and community members alike with a warm interior and a menu full of treats and beverages.
Hugo Sanmartano, the owner of Java the Cup, recently moved to Wingate with his wife, deciding to turn the spot into a coffee shop soon afterward. “We drove by the location many times,” Sanmartano said. “We felt that the spot was beautiful.”
The owner discovered that the site was actually in the process of becoming a historic landmark.
“We learned that there was a bank here starting in 1909, along with an outpost store.”
Wanting to show appreciation for the location’s history, many aspects of the historic bank were included into the decor. An original black bank vault door can be seen to the right of the entrance, and hanging around the store are iron teller window bars. For a more modern touch, comfortable tables and chairs have also been placed all around the shop, ideal for studying or relaxing.
Feeling that a coffee shop “was needed for the area,” Sanmartano sought to add more items to the menu other than just coffee. Guests can enjoy a variety of crepes, waffles, sandwiches, and wraps.
They can come to the shop anytime between 7:00a.m. – 9:00p.m. on weekdays and 7a.m. – 11p.m. on weekends.
Along with the warm food and fresh coffee, people are encouraged to “come in, get comfortable and enjoy themselves, whether it’s to meet with a group or just get homework done.”
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