Published: November 17, 2009 01:01 pm      

Face of downtown Cumberland continues to evolve

Wild Goose a new addition; Cafe Mark relocating, expanding

CUMBERLAND — A variety of new businesses has taken root in downtown Cumberland, but even today, the face of Town Centre continues to change.

David Nicolas’ Wild Goose is the newest addition, bringing along fresh ideas to supplement the arts activity downtown.

Nicolas, a former resident of Sarasota, Fla., said the Wild Goose, located at the former site of Blue Cross/Blue Shield at 119 Baltimore St., will combine a gift shop and fine art gallery. He said a rough comparison could be made to retail outlets like Crate & Barrel or Pottery Barn.

“I felt like it was the right time of life to do this again,” said Nicolas, who had operated a similar business in Pennsylvania. “Everyone (in Cumberland) is pulling in the same direction. ... I’ve had lots of support and encouragement.”

Nicolas is no stranger to Cumberland. He grew up in Western Pennsylvania and has been visiting since the mid-1970s thanks to a childhood friend who lives in the area. “Cumberland puts me next to all the people I know,” said Nicolas.

Nicolas said difficulties in securing permits and renovating the location delayed opening to some degree, but he plans to open the Wild Goose in a limited fashion after Thanksgiving and in a more complete form in December.

“I have a really good feeling about what I’m doing here,” said Nicolas.

Another change downtown involves an expansion and relocation. After five years at the corner of Baltimore and Liberty streets, Cafe Mark is moving to 37 Baltimore St. on Jan. 1.

“We’re moving for a bigger space,” said owner Mark Rose. “We’re combining our business with Jennifer’s Desserts.”

Jennifer’s Desserts and Cafe Mark have been working together for four years. Jennifer supplies pastries for Mark, who formerly got them from a franchise deal with The Daily Grind.

Rose plans to use the merger to expand his cafe’s offerings. “Basically we’re going to serve breakfast,” said Rose. “Jennifer used to serve breakfast but she got so busy that she didn’t have time to make cakes. There’s no place downtown that serves breakfast, (so) we’re going to serve a full breakfast as well as all the other things that we do.”

“People come to town on their bikes and stay at the hotel and they want a good breakfast,” said Rose. “So we’re going to do that.”

Cory Galliher can be reached at Contact Cory Galliher at cgalliher@times-news.com.