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NILES — A popular downtown Niles business is expanding to better accommodate its growing needs while providing other local businesses with a space to grow.

2nd & Main, a coffeehouse and wine bar located at 127 E. Main St., announced its plans to open a commissary kitchen at 114 3rd St., the site of the former CJ’s Pizza. The new kitchen space will allow 2nd & Main to bake its own pastries and goods while also providing local small businesses with a space to make their own goods and foster growth. 

“The community has been talking about the need (for a commissary kitchen) for years,” said 2nd & Main co-owner Dustin Jankoviak. “Every time I’d go into the meeting people were like ‘we used to have one, it closed down’ and ‘I really wish we had another one.’ It helps us out and it helps them out.”

Jankoviak discussed the concept of a commissary kitchen with co-owners Lea Germann and Alicia Ransbottom. When the 114 3rd St. property opened up, the trio felt the opportunity was too good to pass up.

“One of the biggest things we want to do here is help support local businesses that don’t have a storefront and don’t have the availability to be on the strip for everybody,” Ransbottom said. “We can advertise for them and say they’re here or we could put some of their cheesecake, cookies and stuff and just offer their products as well. Just like our tea, we can advertise them and then go back and forth. I’m really excited for it.”

“It was a restaurant previously,” Jankoviak said. “That’s why we wanted that space. It’s already wired up and the plumbing’s all there and the three bay sink is there. All we have to do is plug in ovens and refrigerators and set up for storage. … Hopefully this is a scenario that will allow us to be successful for a long time.”

According to Jankoviak, three businesses have committed to joining the kitchen and there is space for three to four more. He added the kitchen will allow the business to partner with the local schools long-term.

“I’m trying to find different pieces in that realm that compliment each other,” he said. “We have a company that blends tees, one that does freeze-dried candy, I have somebody that does cookies. We’re trying to find days where everybody can get in there and grow their business, but they’re not waiting on us to finish up baking or making. It should be fun – I think it’ll allow us to partner with the schools long-term.”

Jankoviak expects the kitchen to be ready for use in approximately 30 days, which he expects will line up with the main location’s plans to expand hours for its wine menu. Those interested in inquiring about space can reach 2nd & Main on its Facebook page or email 2ndandmain127@gmail.com.