<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0OLpqk_1GpMuFpq00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0OLpqk_1GpMuFpq00" width="1600" height="900" ><ul><li>The popular neighborhood coffee shop Cordella’s, which has been closed for 14 months, is back after major renovations.</li><li>Despite being closed, Cordella's has maintained a presence through pop-up events and residencies.</li></ul>The popular neighborhood coffee shop Cordella’s at 116 June St., Worcester, marks a major expansion, officially launching a new beverage program to include wine and craft cocktails on Nov. 14.Although their June Street shop has been closed for a 14-month renovation, owners Andy Jimison and his wife Jess Rao and Alecia Bishop have successfully maintained Cordella’s brand presence. “Fifty-six pop up events in 2026, not including residencies,” said owners, who had served coffee, snacks, etc. from their mobile cart. One of their long-standing residencies included The Burncoat Center for Art and Wellness in Worcester. You could also find them at downtown Worcester’s seasonal Market on Exchange and Fivefork farms in Upton, just to name a few.To bring you up to speed on Cordella’s: The coffee shop has expanded its original 14-16 seat capacity by taking over the neighboring storefront utilized by Jimison’s former arcade and retro video game shop. Jimison noted that while the remodeling may have taken longer than anticipated, everyone is extremely pleased with the final result. The owners recently hosted a private wine tasting for family and friends.For its wine program, Cordella’s teams up with Gilbert Distributors in Shrewsbury, working with Justus Wagner. Many in the community know Wagner from his days as the wine director at Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace in Worcester. “We’re starting out with a small wine menu to see what people actually like to drink,” said Bishop. “We’re testing the waters.”The owners are particularly hyped about the curated craft cocktail selection. Several specialty drinks, cocktails and mocktails were previewed in the spring at a pop-up at Wooden Bar in Worcester.“We have reworked our menus several times before our official opening,” said Bishop, adding that juices and syrups are made by Cordella’s. “Our cocktail menu is going to be a fun surprise for everyone,” she said.Note: Beer also will be available, with no tap options.A variety of bar snacks, such as dips (pepperoncini, etc.), popcorn, nut mixes, etc. will be available during bar hours. The popcorn appeared to be an absolute-crowd pleaser at the private wine tasting. Elevated with a kick of spice?Jimison mentioned that Cordella’s has a kitchen and the owners are looking to start serving small plates sometime in the new year. A phased rollout is the plan, said Jess Rao. “We look to a highly creative kitchen and well-trained staff,” she said.Cordella’s new hours, beginning Nov. 14: Café will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Full espresso menu.Hours for wine, craft cocktails and more: 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Bar, table and alcove seating is available.More information will be offered at Cordella’s new website: heycordellas.com.Owners envision the larger Cordella’s as a friendly neighborhood gathering place, perfect for relaxing with friends and family over pre-or-after-dinner drinks. “Cozy and comforting,” they said.The venue’s distinct interior look is a creative partnership between the owners and local artist Mags Munroe.“Most everything in here, from glassware to furniture, has a bit of history behind it,” said Jimison. The owners admitted they’d lost count of the hours they spent hunting for vintage treasures at antique shops throughout New England and at the annual Brimfield Antique Flea Market. Some bar equipment is from the Westerman Film and TV Props Warehouse on Suffolk Street in Worcester, also known as the Westerman Props Warehouse. Westerman Store &amp; Restaurant Equipment, 54 Green St., Worcester owns and operates the business.Ask Cordella’s owners about item(s) from the "Walking Dead: Dead City," AMC’s spin-off series filmed in Worcester. “Fans will remember “Merger’s Bar” from the film,” said Bishop.Cordella’s Coffee Shop originally opened in 2024, with four owners that included Jimison, Rao, Bishop and Ellie Ellis, who is no longer affiliated with the business. Bishop is a former barista who created Cordella’s original coffee menu. At the time of opening, owners said it was important for them to establish an identity for their business.Jimison, Rao and Bishop recalled that despite the closure, the neighborhood kept knocking. “Newcomers and regulars alike constantly asked when Cordella’s would finally reopen. Neighbors already are stopping by.”The long-awaited opening is fast approaching. Way to go, Cordella team!If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.</div></body>

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The popular neighborhood coffee shop Cordella’s, which has been closed for 14 months, is back after major renovations. Despite being closed, Cordella's has maintained a presence through pop-up events and residencies. The popular neighborhood coffee shop Cordella’s at 116 June St., Worcester, marks a major expansion, officially launching a...

Cordella’s is back with major expansion, new beverage program and more

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The popular neighborhood coffee shop Cordella’s, which has been closed for 14 months, is back after major renovations. Despite being closed, Cordella's has

Cordella’s is back with major expansion, new beverage program and more

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