Mirabella Gelateria & Expresso Bar
In a world dominated by Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donut franchises, Mirabella Gelateria & Expresso Bar sets itself apart as one of the few authentic coffee places left in the Lower Hudson Valley. A rare breed, Mirabella offers coffee that’s brewed strong and fresh, a taste that stands alone from the ice coffees and coolattas of the world.
Co-owner and operator Kathy Mirabile says it’s the homey, down-to-earth feel of Mirabella that separates itself from large, commercial coffee chains. Open for just about a year, the gelateria and expresso bar has attracted a small client base that appreciates the shop’s earthy feel and authentic-tasting coffee.
“I treat it like my home—people come and I treat them like they’re coming into my home,” Mirabile said. “I try to cater to everybody’s needs. It really speaks to you.”
With an extensive menu of coffee, pastries and other tasty treats, Mirabile said she tries to mix business with pleasure. Her original goal was to provide a café that would be a centerpiece for the town—a place where neighbors could meet, talk and enjoy a good cup of coffee.
“It’s the people,” Mirabile said. “You’ve got the town supporting you, people coming in talking to you—it’s a family thing. People seem to appreciate it and they seem to love it.”
Though she has been able to obtain this via a small base of regulars, Mirabile has had trouble maintaining a regular flow of people. Despite the café being busy the first few months after it opened, Mirabile believes the lackluster economy has had a profound affect on her business and has tried to lower prices and mix up the menu in order to combat the community’s frugal spending habits.
“The beginning was easy—it was new, people were curious about it. After about three or four it quieted down a bit,” Mirabile said. “There’s no way this can be a franchise though, everybody knows us and we’re mom-and-pop and that’s what we’re going to stand for.”
In order to roll with the economy’s punches, Mirabile has invested in adding fresh, handpicked food to her menu. Seeing the needs of the gluten-free and diabetics communities, Mirabile has begun to add specialty items to accompany the needs of a new client base.
“I don’t think the community even realizes how much we have to offer now—we even see gluten-free gelatos,” Mirabile said. “When you come in, we’re always different. We’re trying to new things and trying to incorporate surprises into the menu.”
Although Mirabile may not envision herself being the head of her cafe in the future due to long hours and a crazy work schedule, she does hope that Mirabella will stay open with an owner that loves the place just as much as she does.
“I’m trying to make it work—it was my husband’s baby and I want to see it become successful,” Mirabile said. “I would love to keep it the way it is and love it the way that I had. This place could go so far with a little bit of help.”
For more information, call Mirabella’s at 845-208-7014 or visit the café at 30 Route 118 in Mahopac.
