NORWICH – A business with a familiar name, Karolyn’s Krossroads Cafe, has opened its doors in Norwich with a new menu, a new look and under new management.
Owner Karolyn White took over the cafe, formerly known as just the Crossroads Cafe, this month. Having spent the last three decades occupying nearly every position in the food service industry at one time or another from cook to waitress, White said having her own cafe had always been a driving thought in the back of her mind.
“I've just always been in the business and wanted one of my own. I've always worked for other people. I live to cook, I love good food and I don’t like the junk,” said White.
After taking over the location, just north of the city on Rt. 12, across from the upper plaza, White brought in all new tables and furniture, installed a cherry countertop, replaced the kitchen’s equipment and redecorated the entire interior. She also hired a new full-time employee, expanded hours and is offering lunch time delivery in Norwich.
Though White is quick to point out the biggest change in the cafe isn’t its appearance but the new menu selections, that she calls, “awesome food with attitude.”
“We don’t have a fryer. We still have all the things people will never give up; our reubens and the chicken benningtons are loved by our customers. But we’ve added a lot of new things,” said White. “I love healthy, I love flavor.”
The house specials are the pulled pork platter and the Krossroads seafood chowder made from White’s own homemade recipes. The cafe also bakes its own breads and desserts, and the menu also includes stuffed portabella mushrooms, seafood skewers, salmon, vegetable primavera, and more than a dozens other items.
White said she hopes the new menu will give customers a more balanced and healthy selection to choose from.
“I've always cooked for my kids and at home and we enjoy more upscale cooking. We just enjoy the huge amount of flavor in the foods. We try to avoid fried food and grease,” she said.
Karolyn’s Krossroads Cafe is currently open from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. White said in a few weeks, however, the store will expand hours to a dinner scheduled opening from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. She hopes to have the cafe open for the dinner by the end of November.
The cafe also delivers to Norwich residence from 11 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. White has also maintained her other business, Karolyn’s Katering, for the last 25 years by supplying services to weddings, graduations, corporate lunches, and other events. To contact Karolyn’s Krossroads Cafe call 334-3733.
White also hopes her store will play a role in the local community and said servers will dress for many of the holidays and the cafe will be participating in this year’s Halloween and Christmas parades.