Red Raven Espresso Parlor has moved a few blocks from its original 14 Roberts St. location to 916 Main Ave., just across from McDonald’s.

Joe Curry, who owns the business with Sara Watson Curry, Andrew Johnson, Erik Meyer and Kenny Skoglund, said the key to the business’ success will be convincing people that downtown extends beyond Broadway.

While loyal customers have moved with the business, Curry said they only see about 15 percent of their former neighbors.

The building is a former fire station, built in 1910, Curry said. The espresso parlor occupies the main floor of the building. At 2,000 square feet, it’s about the same size as Red Raven’s first locale, but the current space is more open. The book room, show room and coffee shop used to be in three separate rooms and are now all in one space. A large brick wall will serve as a gallery for local artists. A courtyard will allow for outdoor seating and music when the weather improves. 

Red Raven is also building a stage for live music, comedy and poetry.

The business, which offers coffee drinks, juices and fruit smoothies, plans to expand its menu to include soups and sandwiches.

“In this location, we know we have to become more of a destination,” Curry said.

There are 15 art studios in the basement of the building called Seagrave Studios (named after a fire engine company) and a communal living space upstairs called the Station House Cooperative.

Parking is available in the back of the building.

Read more and view a photo gallery on Inforum.