Stark Bites: Carpe Diem to mark 20th anniversary
Twenty years ago, Cathy and Patrick Wyatt did just what the name of their coffee shop says. They seized the day.
Carpe Diem, if you will.
In 2003, the Wyatts joined good friends Jenny and Steve Coon at a downtown Canton space where renovations were underway and fell in love with the place at 215 Market Ave. N.
“I remember when we would visit to see the progress – the layout just screamed ‘cozy coffee shop,’” Cathy Wyatt said. “At one point, Patrick even called a national chain to tell them about the spot.”
The chain said no, but the Wyatts said yes.
“Honestly, the biggest hurdle we encountered was getting people to understand why we wanted to take on this endeavor. Banks and other officials tried to talk us out of it,” Cathy Wyatt said.
Ten weeks later they opened the doors to Carpe Diem. And, on Friday, the Wyatts will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the now venerable coffee shop.
“We caught the downtown Canton fever from the Coons. Their passion for downtown helped us become true believers in this community,” Patrick Wyatt said.
The past two years have been the most successful yet for the shop, a boon that they attribute to visitors and events at Centennial Plaza, the upgraded DoubleTree by Hilton hotel and the nearby Historic Onesto.
The increase in downtown living – the Wyatts themselves moved to the Onesto eight years ago – also has contributed to their growth.
“We are right in the middle of all the action downtown. I like to tease people and say that Carpe Diem is a 20-year-long overnight sensation,” Patrick Wyatt said.
The couple said they are excited about the future of the coffee shop.
“We have spent the past 20 years pouring love and appreciation into this shop and making hundreds of friends along the way," Cathy Wyatt said. "We consider those friendships to be a better reward than profits. We feel privileged that people share their lives with us and let us serve them day after day."
The anniversary celebration kicks off Wednesday. Twenty percent of Carpe Diem’s profits from sales from Wednesday through Saturday will be given to local nonprofit organizations.
“Our customers can stop in for their favorite coffee, and a portion of the proceeds will go to some outstanding local charities,” Cathy Wyatt said.
The donations will be split evenly among Children’s Network of Stark County, Project Rebuild, St John’s Samaritans Table and Stark County Hunger Task Force.
In addition, the Wyatts will play host to a celebratory open house on Friday during Canton First Friday and Saturday.
Guests who visit during the anniversary can order themed drinks, or purchase anniversary mugs, T-shirts or a custom anniversary coffee roast, available in one-pound bags (whole bean or freshly ground).
Carpe Diem Coffee Shop is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Melange returns after short closure
Melange, a downtown Canton restaurant that describes itself as “a modern mix of the finest food,” has reopened after a brief closure.
The eatery at 221 Market Ave. N in Canton was closed from Oct. 9-24 and reopened Oct. 25 after what it described as a retooling.
“During this time, our dedicated team will be working tirelessly on menu development and training,” Melange posted Oct. 9 on its Facebook page.
It added its thanks for the patience diners would need before the restaurant reopened.
“We value your continued support and can't wait to share our culinary masterpieces with you,” the Facebook post said. “Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming you back very soon!”
The menu posted Oct. 25 appeared to have some of the same dishes that diners previously enjoyed.
Remaining are the appetizer Korean Corn Dogs ($10), which is a Kobe beef frank, imported Korean corn dog batter, honey mustard and gochujang ketchup drizzle, along with such items as a shrimp cocktail ($14) and the Meatball Napoli ($12). Under the dinners section of the menu are the 8-ounce, 21-day, dry-aged center cut prime filet for $63; and a 10-ounce, 45-day, dry-aged prime sirloin for $29.
Other meals offered are a coffee-crusted, smoked pork tenderloin with aged cheddar grits for $25; a custom-blend burger served on a brioche bun with house fries for $15; and seafood bucatini with scallops, shrimp and king crab for $34.
Melange is open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; and 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Reservations can be made for parties of four diners or fewer at melangerestaurant.com, or for parties of more people at 330-587-5566.
Send restaurant news and updates to laura.kessel@cantonrep.com.
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Stark Bites: Carpe Diem in Canton to mark 20th anniversary
