Circle Cafe on Main to Open in Downtown Nazareth
NAZARETH, Pennsylvania – Jennifer O’Neill, a long-time resident of Nazareth, has purchased the historic property at 2 N. Main Street and is in the process of transforming the former salon into Circle Cafe on Main, a cozy new café inspired by European cafes and a desire to create a community-centered gathering space. The café is aiming to open with a soft launch by Christmas.
Lehigh Financial Group LLC arranged the SBA loan that financed the purchase and upcoming renovations. Jeff Barber of Lehigh Financial Group guided O’Neill through the entire loan process and connected her with the professionals she needed to bring her vision to life.
“I wouldn’t have gotten to the finish line without Jeff,” said O’Neill. “He knew everything, was always responsive, and genuinely cared about helping me get this business off the ground.”
O’Neill, who spent over 20 years in corporate software sales, was inspired to make a change after a family trip to Europe and a growing desire to do something more meaningful and fulfilling. When she came across the historic stone building in the heart of Nazareth’s town circle, she knew it was the perfect fit.
“It was everything I never knew I always wanted,” she said. “The windows, the views, the aesthetics of the building just spoke to me. I knew this was the place.”
Located across from the Moravian Church and surrounded by community landmarks like the post office and farmers market, the building is ideally situated for a café. O’Neill plans to keep structural changes minimal while adding new flooring, fresh paint, and a fully equipped kitchen that will house a convection oven, commercial refrigerator, and other professional-grade appliances.
“We’re creating a space with a boho, historic vibe. Think deep peacock walls, a velvet couch, and natural lighting that makes it warm and inviting,” she said.
Circle Cafe on Main will offer homemade quiches, soups, flatbreads, and pastries, as well as convenient take-home dinners. There will be no deep fryers. All items will be fresh and made with care, including deli-style pasta and potato salads inspired by O’Neill’s New Jersey roots. Drinks will feature seasonal homemade iced teas, lemonade, and coffee brewed from Electric City Roasting beans.
“It’s about high-quality, convenient food that brings people together. I want it to be a place where people feel at home, whether they’re stopping in for a quick lunch or spending an afternoon with friends.”
O’Neill is overseeing the buildout in partnership with A&E Drafting, who are also managing the subcontractors. Renovation is set to begin on October 14, and O’Neill is hopeful that construction will be completed in time for the town’s holiday festivities.
“Opening by Christmas is the dream,” she said. “It would be amazing to open our doors when the town lights the tree and welcome people in for coffee and warmth.”
The financing for the project was secured through Lehigh Financial Group via an SBA loan, funded by 44 Business Capital. The transaction was handled by Loren Speziale, Esq. of Gross McGinley LLP in Allentown. O’Neill’s real estate agent was Allie Bennicas of the Cliff Lewis Experience Team.
Looking ahead, O’Neill sees Circle Cafe on Main as more than just a business.
“It’s going to go so well that I’ll need to expand into the upstairs for more seating,” she said. “I want this café to be a hub for the community and an extension of my family. A place where people make memories.”
Updates on the café’s opening and progress will be shared through the Circle Cafe on Main Facebook page.
Lehigh Financial Group, LLC is a leading source of innovative real estate capital solutions and financing options for commercial customers. The company, based in Allentown, serves the Lehigh Valley region by providing capital for businesses and investors locally, regionally, and nationwide. For more information on Lehigh Financial Group LLC, please see our website at LehighFinancialGroup.com.
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