By Susan de Castro McCann

Redstone Review Editor

LYONS – Moving three doors down from their original location to a newly renovated building took a little more time than expected. “I was overly optimistic about our opening,” said Greig Chesne, owner of the Barking Dog, which relocated to 431 Main St. “This building is 120 years old and we had to do a lot of work. It took longer than I thought it would” The coffee shop closed in March and just reopened on May 14.

But for Chesne the new space was worth the wait because he was able to double his space. He has seating for 26 inside and 12 chairs outside in front with another eight to be added soon. He also has a stone wall outside in front where people can sit and chat, park their dogs and their bikes and enjoy a cappuccino and pastries.

An added bonus for Chesne is the new Buttercream Bakery, located right outside his back door. Owner Jamie Markin supplies pastries to his coffee shop making sure that his cases are full of delectable fruit tarts, Danish pastries, chocolate confections, custard tarts, muffins, cinnamon rolls, scones and many other tasty items. Customers will not be disappointed.

Chesne has added some new breakfast items to his menu, which include waffles, breakfast burritos, and croissant and egg sandwiches, along with fruit, yogurt, bagels and other items. More choices have also been added to the lunch menu including two salads and several sandwiches. Of course there are the items people frequent coffee houses for including lattés, mochas, smoothies, cappuccinos, coffee, Bhakti chai, hot chocolate and tea.

The shop has WiFi for computer junkies. Coffee drinkers will hear soft strains of traditional Hawaiian music in the background. “I’m from Hawaii,” explained Chesne. The music reminds him of home.

Hardwood floors were installed and the tin plates which covered the ceiling were flipped over to expose a clean unpainted side and used to create the front of the counters. Thick slabs of sandstone were polished to create the counter tops. “Chester Barnard quarried the flagstone for the counter tops himself and Paul Freisg of Western Stone finished the stone off,” said Chesne. Barnard was the general contractor for the remodel and construction of the entire building owned by John Burke and Janice Gavan, who also own VisAblility, the public radio and public TV product fulfillment company in Lyons on Main Street.

Sometime this summer a stone patio will be created in the back of the coffee shop and down the road Chesne said he would consider applying for a beer and wine license so that customers could sit outside under the trees and enjoy a glass of wine. Currently the hours are 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday. The coffee shop will stay open until 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For information call 303-823-9600.

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