It’s official: Winfield Street Coffee is set to open its doors at the Rye Metro-North station on May 1.
The plan was to open in the summer, but “thanks to a smooth construction process and a fantastic team, we’re now on track for a spring opening,” said Breno Donatti, founder of Winfield Street Coffee.
Both the MTA, which owns the station house, and Donatti had cited pandemic-related pushbacks over the last few years to explain the initial delays in opening the coffee shop. The station house has been vacant since the pandemic.
“The enthusiasm from the Rye community has been incredible, and we just couldn’t wait any longer to be part of daily life here!” he said.
The two sides had been negotiating the lease at the Rye train station since 2018, and eventually signed off on a 20-year agreement in 2021, with an option to renew.
The opening of Winfield will be the first time the entire Rye station house will be used for commercial purposes, according to the MTA. Winfield also has locations in Florida, Stamford, Conn., Croton-on-Hudson, and in New York City’s 72nd Street and 86th Street subway stations on the Q line.
The Rye location will have the most in common with the Stamford version, according to Donatti, who is expecting at least 250 daily visitors to Rye — the same number of patrons Winfield sees at its Croton-Harmon Metro-North location, which opened in 2017.
The coffee shop will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days, but they will be serving much more than a cup of Joe.
“One of the most exciting elements of our space is our full liquor bar, serving craft cocktails all day,” said Donatti. “Our goal is to be more than just a coffee shop — we want to be a space where Rye gathers.”
Currently, Winfield is finalizing their food and beverage offerings and “incorporating locally sourced ingredients,” he added. Espresso martinis, of course, are on the menu.
They are also looking to hire 12 local team members and wants to connect, Donatti said, with Rye schools and organizations to explore ways to engage with the community.
Winfield is also planning a free grand opening celebration with live music and “favorite local vendors.”
“Rye has such a strong sense of community, and we want this to be a day for everyone to come together and celebrate,” said Donatti.