The original location of Cafe Eclectic on McLean reopened yesterday after being closed for a week for renovations.
Regulars will notice the new paint. The once-tiny kitchen has been expanded and equipped with new ovens, a deep fryer, and walk-in freezer and fridge.
The restaurant/coffee bar has moved into space at the side of the building and along the back, with dry-cleaning equipment from University Cleaners removed to make way. (University Cleaners still operates a storefront for pick-ups.) There’s also an upstairs area being eyed for future expansions.
What this means for the consumer is that chicken and waffles are now part of the menu. There’s also a new fried chicken sandwich, which Cafe Eclectic’s Rachel Boulden describes as “homemade Chick-fil-A.” There are new vegetarian options as well with vegan pancakes being a regular offering.
The new larger kitchen will serve both the Cafe Eclectic at Harbor Town and the newest location inside the Stratum on Highland set to open in May.
Boulden says they spent the first day post-renovations working out hiccups. They had initially planned to be closed for 4 days for the work but the Easter holiday pushed back the re-opening.
“A whole week!,” says Boulden. “That was a little traumatic.”
