Cindy Greene
Proprietor
Tell us what prompted your move from New York City to the Lehigh Valley. How do you like being a business owner in Easton specifically?
I grew up in Easton. I have been watching the growth of all the great restaurants and retail stores opening through the last couple of years. Most of my design projects took me to New York and New Jersey, but when I saw the 200 Northampton Street space available in Easton,
I knew I needed to jump. Easton has had a surge of growth this year, with many great people moving west to the Valley. I have met so many wonderful people new to the area in the short couple weeks that we have been open; this has made opening in historic Downtown Easton really fun. Easton is a special town: great history, and the location off two highways and the river makes it very appealing.
Explain the inspiration for Greene Marketplace, as it is a rather unique concept!
My inspiration for Greene Marketplace is taken from all the great retail stores in New York that have their café next to their gifts and home furnishings.
I have just added another element of assisting clients with design services. Customers can see what accessories and art are new each week and grab a bite to eat, making us a destination for an afternoon or evening. We are a small BYOB café with an organic-based menu, vegan options, with nothing fried.
Describe the retail portion of the marketplace. What are some best sellers?
The retail portion offers vintage and new furnishings and accessories. I believe adding a bit of history to a contemporary room adds character and creates a balance. Our wellness products were added to complete a lifestyle. Our organic soy candles and face creams have been our big sellers. We have a “Gifts Ready to Give” desk, where you can count on finding a great unique gift, wrapped and ready to give, starting at $20. We are starting the website to ship unique, themed gift boxes you can order in store or online.
Tell us about the restaurant portion. What made you want to serve food on china and drinks in crystal?
The restaurant's menu consists of a lot of my favorite food choices that I have yet to find in the Lehigh Valley. I designed the marketplace to be elegant yet relaxed at the same time, so when you enter our space, you will decompress quickly. Comments so far from numerous patrons have validated my design goals. We are a BYOB restaurant, so I am able to offer various-sized beautiful vintage and Waterford crystal glassware. Our menu is served on china that I have collected and it is also an eclectic mix, which adds great interest and warmth for our guests. We offer organic mixers for your spirits. You can have a great time shaking your cocktail with vintage ice buckets served on a cool wood tray. Hence our slogan: Shop, dine and explore what is new.
Describe the overall atmosphere of Greene. How do the retail and restaurant portions coexist?
The overall atmosphere, I think, is beautiful, but not to be taken too seriously. We have elegant chandeliers, but if there is a big game, it will be on our large-screen television. When you enter, you will find tables of fun finds for sale amongst our dining tables. So, our restaurant décor and art are all for sale, with the exception of my signature moss wall and fountain. The café and retail work together, because I can offer lunch or dinner to a client as we work through a design project or source a furnishing need.
What kinds of events do you host?
We have hosted numerous events in the short time we have been open. Birthday dinner parties, girls' night outs, wedding showers, a fundraiser to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs, to name a few. I am a very detailed person, so our fabulous kitchen will create a memorable experience that guests will talk about well after the party is over.
Can a customer host his/her own event? Tell us about that.
You can host an intimate sit-down for 20 people as if it were your home, or a mix-and-mingle type of party for up to 70 people in a unique atmosphere that changes weekly. We do not have a special event menu but we work with our guests from our regular menu or customize a menu especially for you. Of course, we always accept special menu requests.
What's on the horizon for Greene this summer and beyond?
Greene Marketplace should have outside seating by the time this is published, with great music and, of course, the inside theme will spill outside. We will be offering afternoon tea with appropriate menu offerings, which is very trendy right now. As we continue to develop, I will always use local sources and small businesses to complete my brand. With the help of all the great people I have met so far, I am thinking you can count on us to be around for a long time.
200 Northampton St., Easton | 484.544.3240 | greenemarketplace.com
