Sarah Simmons – acclaimed N.Y.C. chef + restaurateur behind the local, now-closed Rise Gourmet Goods and Bakeshop in Five Points – presented at 1 Million Cups last week her plan to bring three new dining spots downtown by 2018 (part of a broader vision including a food service incubator program, events catering + wholesale services).

1️⃣ The Café | Richland Library’s Main location is slated to house an incubator-style cafe before the year's end – which will not only be a spot to grab a quick bite a the library – but also a learning space for aspiring chefs + restaurateurs, providing hands on experience + quality training.

2️⃣ Rise Bakeshop | Simmons is (hopefully) reviving the beloved bakery + lunch spot (which closed earlier this year after a majority of the 900 block of Harden St. was purchased by a developer) at 1649 Main St. While plans are not yet finalized, the new location would allow for an expanded version of the bakeshop + industry training.

3️⃣ Birds & Bubbles | On the below-street garden level of 1649 Main St., Simmons plans to open a dinnertime spot featuring champagne + fried chicken – named after her extremely successful, now-closed N.Y.C. restaurant.

3 min read / Go Columbia