From cookies to cafe: Family grocery and deli opening on Lexington’s North Limestone
When the pandemic hit, like a lot of people Lorenzo Busalacchi got into baking.
And he just kept going.
The former electrician loved spending time at home with his wife and two kids so he looked for way to turn his cookie hobby into a business. Tratti di Busalacchi, which means “Busalacchi Treats” in Italian, was born.
He and his wife, Morgan, opened a small stall in the Julietta Market at Greyline Station on North Limestone and Loudon last year, selling Italian cookies and biscotti inspired by his Italian grandmother’s recipes.
Soon boxes of Sicilian chocolate spiced cookies, lemon knots and anise cookies took off were flying off the shelves.
Now, they are opening a new cafe and general grocery store across the street at 808 N. Limestone, in the former home of the Belt Line/J. Gumbo’s Lexington restaurant that closed last fall next to Broomwagon bike shop and cafe.
But they will offer much more than cookies.
“The concept is a general store and eatery, a place where you can get groceries to make a meal or a prepared meal to eat there” Busalacchi said. “We’ll also have grab-and-go and online orders.”
He said they plan to start with deli sandwiches and meats and cheese from Boar’s Head, bread from Sunrise Bakery, then work up to pasta and meatballs, both cooked to eat at the cafe or frozen to take home. Items will include many locally sourced foods as well as foods imported from Italy.
The cafe will be open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday.
Lorenzo Busalacchi said they are hoping to have a one-night soft opening on April 1 for the monthly Greyline block party then open April 15, right before Easter. Which would be a perfect time pick up their iced sugar cookies or glazed lemon shortbreads, both $20 for a dozen.
Cafe Emporio
Where: 808 N. Limestone
Hours: Opening April 15, then Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Online: Busalacchitreats.com
