“A Taste of Portugal Set to Open on Haven Street“
After nearly two years of vacancy, the beloved storefront at 26 Haven Street—formerly home to gourmet food and wine shop Pamplemousse—has found new life. Tomorrow, March 7, 2026, the long‑awaited Virginia’s Café & Market officially opens its doors to the public from 9 AM to 4 PM, bringing a fresh burst of culture, flavor, and community spirit to downtown Reading. See their menu below.
A New Chapter for a Familiar Space
The 3,728‑square‑foot space, positioned directly across from the Reading commuter rail station and flanked by neighbors such as Reading Pediatrics, PDA Dental, and Elite Freestyle Karate, has long been considered prime real estate. Since Pamplemousse closed in 2023, residents have wondered what would come next.
Entrepreneur Jake Chaves has provided the answer—one inspired by heritage, hospitality, and a deep love of Portuguese cuisine.
A Dream Brought to Life
In an earlier announcement, Chaves shared his excitement with the community:
“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.”
That vision comes to fruition tomorrow as Virginia’s Café & Market welcomes its first customers.
What to Expect: Coffee, Culture & Culinary Tradition
Virginia’s Café & Market offers far more than a standard coffee stop. The new café features:
- Authentic Portuguese coffee drinks crafted with traditional methods
- A rotating selection of house‑made Portuguese pastriesÂ
- Fresh sandwiches and warm comfort staples
- A curated market with Portuguese pantry goods, imported products, and local specialty foods
From beloved classics like pastéis de nata to hard‑to‑find imported staples, the café aims to introduce guests to the spectrum of Portuguese flavors.
Chaves and his team hope the café becomes a gathering place—somewhere to slow down, savor something special, and experience a piece of Portuguese culture right in the heart of Reading.
Opening Day Details
📍 Virginia’s Café & Market
26 Haven Street, Reading, MA
đź—“Â Grand Opening:Â Saturday, March 7, 2026
⏰ Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
The owners encourage visitors to stop by for pastries, coffee, sandwiches, and a chance to browse their new market offerings.
Stay Connected
Follow Virginia’s Café & Market for updates, sneak peeks, and future announcements:
- Facebook:Â https://www.facebook.com/virginiascafeandmarket
- Instagram:Â https://www.instagram.com/virginiascafeandmarket
