York Street Cafe deepens roots in Newport with new Mercantile shop

After operating York Street Cafe in the heart of Newport for 12 years, Terry and Betsy Cunningham decided to expand its scope by opening the new Mercantile shop next door to compliment their eclectic restaurant.

The Mercantile sells a variety of products similar to what you might find decorating York Street Cafe's interior.  Everything from antiques to a variety of collectibles are sold with the help of Stuart Hochman who manages the store for the Cunninghams.

"I've always been into antiques and collectibles," explained Hochman about his interest in running the shop.  "It's been a passion of mine for the last 30 to 40 years, and they say that this kind of a passion starts out as a hobby, and once you get so much stuff, it eventually turns itself into a business."

Hochman explained that he and the Cunninghams decided to move items they had from the restaurant over to the previously vacant storefront to see if anything would sell.  The permanence of the business was not immediately clear, but with business being good, Hochman stated that it appears to have staying power.

"We get lots of people from Monmouth Street which is only one block away, and we also get some spillover from a nearby antique shop," Hochman said.  "But really we just don't have much else over here that draws people so we get much of our traffic from those going to the restaurant who want to check out what we have inside the shop."

The store is situated in a historic house turned storefront next to York Street Cafe and occupies about 700 square feet of the structure.  Those interested are encouraged to go check out what the shop has to offer, but Hochman does have some advice.

"It is a fun place to be, and there is lots of stuff to see, but you should have a love for antiques and collectibles."

The Mercantile shop (map) is open from 12am to 3pm Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; and on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the evening from 6pm to 9pm.  Hochman stated that there are other times when you will find him inside and be able to stop in, but that it varies greatly.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Tiffani Fisher
Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy