Carlyle will be getting a jolt on the business side when Main Street will see the opening of a new store.
Wednesday, Jan. 13 has been set aside for the official grand opening of The Eight Word Café, a coffee-shop/restaurant opening on Main Street.
The new business is owned by a veteran merchant from the area. The Eight Words Café is the newest venture by Arcola-based businessman and mayor, Michael Ellis.
Ellis, who had opened his Arcola business, Michael's Coffee Shop, in a building he had put up on Main Street two years ago, hopes that the Carlyle market will be just as warm and welcoming as he has found the people of Arcola to be.
While Ellis has hired some Carlyle residents for the new location, many of the faces you will see at his new venture will actually be employees from his Arcola location, coming out to work with and train the local employees.
"I like to think that we're [Michael's Coffee Shop employees] a big family," Ellis said. "Our people seem to get along with each other as well as the customers, and that really helps make it a nice place to come to."
"People can sense it in a business when the employees are tense, or not happy."
The Eight Words Café will be serving coffees, teas, and other beverages, as well as having a light food menu, including sandwiches.
"Once we get a feel for what the people in Carlyle are looking for from a place like this, then we'll move more of our service and product in that direction," Ellis said. "I'm certain that we will be able to bring something for everyone in the town."
