A Taste of Portugal Arrives on Haven Street
After sitting vacant for nearly two years, the beloved storefront at 26 Haven Street—once home to gourmet food and wine shop Pamplemousse—is poised for a revival. The space, nestled in the heart of downtown Reading across from the commuter rail station, has officially found a new occupant, marking a fresh chapter for the bustling Haven Street corridor.
Entrepreneur Jake Chaves has announced the upcoming opening of Virginia’s Café & Market, a Portuguese-inspired coffee house and marketplace, set to open a 3,728-square-foot retail space at 26 Haven Street, the former home of Pamplemousse.
In a heartfelt social media post, Chaves shared his excitement:
“Very excited to announce that I will be opening Virginia’s Café & Market, a Portuguese-inspired coffee house and marketplace in Reading, MA. This has been my dream for a long time, to share a piece of myself, my family, and my culture with you all. A huge thank you to my family, friends, and community for all the support.”
Virginia’s Café & Market promises to offer a warm, welcoming space where the community can enjoy Portuguese coffee, pastries, and curated goods that reflect the rich culinary traditions of Portugal. The café aims to be more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee—it’s envisioned as a cultural hub where heritage and hospitality meet.
The location at 26 Haven Street, which has been vacant since Pamplemousse closed its doors in 2023, is a prime spot in Reading’s vibrant downtown. With neighbors like Reading Pediatrics, PDA Dental and Elite Freestyle Karate, the new café is poised to become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
To stay updated on the grand opening and sneak peeks of what’s to come, follow Virginia’s Café & Market on https://www.facebook.com/virginiascafeandmarket and https://www.instagram.com/virginiascafeandmarket.
