Coronation cafe: a cafe filled with sentiment and flavor
Located where Bart’s Ice Cream once stood for decades in downtown Amherst, Coronation Cafe brings a new taste to Amherst, not only food-wise, but with loads of love and support for the community.
Kari Kurtz, an employee who has worked at the Cafe since its opening in 2022, shared with us what it was like being a part of a Mennonite restaurant in Amherst.
When the cafe first opened she described it as intimidating at first, but that everyone was welcoming in the end. “We had a lot of opportunities to show Christ’s love and welcome people,” said Kurtz.
Kurtz, along with her uncle Joe Kurtz who owns the Cafe, admitted they were drawn to Amherst due to the nearby colleges and their love for the large population of young people.
The use of fresh ingredients and vegetables is also highly appreciated by regulars at the Cafe. Greens used in various dishes are sourced from local suppliers like Marty’s Local in South Deerfield.
“We want the best for people and part of that is serving good, healthy food,” said Kurtz.
The cafe’s menu contains a variety of options, including omelettes, sandwiches, salads, drinks, and one of the most noteworthy among locals: the soft pretzels.“My mom grew up in Philly with pretzels,” said ARHS senior Eva Lagrant. “she thought [the Coronation pretzel] was really good.”
Senior Tychon Coggeshall-Burr recalled the kindness he received from staff when he accidentally stayed past closing time at the cafe one day. He was treated with consideration and patience by staff members and was even given some free leftover coffee.
“We realized that the store had closed, no one had come to bug us and they were very polite and didn’t mind that we were still around,” said Coggeshall-Burr. “In fact, they offered us some free coffee from the dispenser that they were going to throw out.”
Marcella and I each got a refresher drink and shared a soft pretzel, which we agreed was worthy of its fame.
The refreshers were made up of a choice of either seltzer or soda, and a fruit flavoring. They tasted sweet and fizzy, and we think they taste most similar to a Dunkin’ Donuts refresher, but a little more subtle and less sweet in the fruit flavoring.
The pretzel was extremely soft and flavorful. Staff warmed it up for us and allowed us a choice of two dipping sauces. We chose cream cheese and homemade honey mustard, with the mustard being our favorite.
The service at the Cafe was exceptional and both of us agree the food was too.
Coronation Cafe certainly lives up to its goal, as stated on their website, of “sharing a welcoming space, serving nourishing entrees, and encouraging meaningful conversation.”
“People return here a lot and we love that,” said Kurtz. “We love people and we welcome everyone.”
