New program brings pop-up stores to downtown Ithaca

ITHACA, N.Y. — The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) has created a new program allowing some new eateries and specialty shops to set up temporary space in the downtown area.

Center Cafe by Lou and FLX Bakes has opened in the Center Ithaca food court. The Bloomwell: A Modern Gift Shop holiday pop-up is setting up in a space next door to Alphabet Soup, and Sunshine’s Creative Designs opened a space in the Dewitt Mall in November.

In addition, another eatery — Urban Blendz — is expected to open in Center Ithaca soon, per a DIA news release.

The businesses are part of DIA’s new pop-up program, which is designed to provide short-term leases to help support local entrepreneurs seeking temporary spaces for their business. The pop-up program contracts are an “affordable option” for entrepreneurs, and the agreements vary from vendor to vendor depending on the building and the entrepreneur’s “circumstances.”

“Our pop-up program offers multiple benefits to the community. It helps businesses that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic,” Scott Rougeau DIA special events director, said. “It provides an opportunity for seasonal, outdoor entrepreneurs like Lou to offer their services indoors during the colder months. It offers temporary spaces for businesses to test out the Ithaca market. Plus, it helps activate some vacant spaces downtown.”

Rougeau helps recruit businesses to the program.

Participating businesses

Center Cafe by Lou serves to-go lunch and dinner options — grilled hot dogs and hamburgers and occasionally specialty sausages and soups — along with Caribbean and South American-style baked goods prepared by Adelaide Castillo, owner of FLX Bakes.

“I love this community, and I’m thrilled to be able to serve food in this location, and I love this opportunity to partner with talented people like Adelaide. Her baked goods are phenomenal,” says Lou Cassaniti, owner of Center Cafe by Lou and Lou’s Hot Dogs. Center Cafe by Lou is sharing its space with FLX Bakes.

Sunshine’s Creative Designs offers crystals and stones from around the world, while the Bloomwell Modern Giftshop pop-up is this specialty shop’s second location. Its original location is at 111 West State St., adjacent to the State Theatre.

The temporary pop-up location offers gift items that include puzzles, scented candles, organic skin-care products, non-alcoholic beverages, and chocolates.

“We joined the pop-up program because it was fun in the past being a part of downtown’s craft fairs during the festivals. Having a spot in the Dewitt Mall is a good way to reach local customers,” Jim Marcy, owner of Sunshine Creative Designs, said.

Dewitt Mall is also hosting a couple of its own pop-ups for the holiday season.

Wide Awake Bakery and a group of three pottery makers are currently operating pop-up shops in the Buffalo Street Books reading room. Balance Aromatherapy, which carries products curated by licensed local aromatherapist Kash Wiggins, is available in Cat’s Pajamas, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance said.