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NEW BUSINESS Central Point's got its Perk New coffeehouse offers a community gathering spot Comment By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 7, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 7, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News CENTRAL POINT — A new coffeehouse known for its hospitality and upcycled decor is becoming a community gathering place in downtown. Local residents Gustavo Pardo, a chef, and his wife, Monica Pardo, a special-needs teacher, opened the Central Point Perk at 117 E. Pine St. in May. “We really like the small-town feel and the old buildings," Monica says. "We both really love the coffeehouse vibe and the idea of giving people a place to gather. When this building opened up, it seemed like it was sort of meant to be.” Located in the old Merritt building, which has served as everything from a dress shop and record store to a collection agency office, Central Point Perk retains the old building's uneven floors and quirky layout but has a refurbished exterior and branded wood patio doors alongside an inviting “pocket park” for dining alfresco. The interior is decked out in repurposed furniture built by Gustavo, including sturdy tables supported by plumbing fixtures, folded license plates framing a menu board and thrift shop and industrial finds used as tables and wall hangings. “We do a lot of upcycling and refurbishing in our own house, so this was a natural extension of what we really love,” says Monica. “Anything not nailed down is pretty much available for sale.” The menu offers breakfast sandwiches, paninis, salads and flatbreads in addition to coffee and tea choices. Gustavo is happy to create custom beverages for patrons, but they might have to endure a little ribbing first. On Friday afternoon, a patron asked, "Do you recommend the marionberry or lemonade mint?" “I’ve got an even better one that I do, but I can’t tell ya about it or I'd have ta kill ya,” Gustavo teased. “I think some people are confused on whether to call us a café or a coffee shop," Gustavo says. "I hate calling it a café, and someone else called us a deli, which drives me even more crazy. We’re not from New York, and we’re not breaking out any pastrami sandwiches on rye, fuhgeddaboudit!” he adds with a laugh. Groups young and old already have claimed Central Point Perk as their own. Customers curl up on couches with shoes kicked off, passersby enjoy the outdoor patio and local businesses utilize the more formal seating area for lunch meetings. Ultimately the chef who isn’t running a “deli” says he’ll start a supper offering and start roasting his own coffee beans. Taneea Browning, executive director at the Central Point Chamber and a city council member, says a sit-down coffeehouse was a long time coming. In years past, the city was host to the Center Café, a popular coffee shop for locals to discuss everything from weather to politics. Closure of the business left a void. “Gourmet food, gourmet coffee, ambiance, what’s not to love? We are all super excited about it. It’s a great addition to an up-and-coming downtown,” Browning says. Community Development Director Tom Humphrey says the Perk “received immediate acceptance and enthusiastic local support and attendance.” “Downtown business owners, visitors and office workers have all responded to a coffeehouse where they can meet friends, take a break or just hang out,” Humphrey says. “They have transformed one of the city’s oldest buildings into an eclectic watering hole and boutique restaurant.” “It already feels like it was meant to be,” Gustavo says. “This place has been for us and for the community. We’re not looking to get rich and retire early. We want to provide a canvas for people to be communal. It’s just such an important thing for any town to have. A place to belong.” Central Point Perk is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. On the web, www.facebook.com/centralpointperk/ . Reach freelance writer Buffy Pollock at [email protected]. By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 7, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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