The Village Perk Café opened at 3 Glen Road on May 10, offering quality coffees, sandwiches, and baked goods to fill a much-needed niche in Sandy Hook Center, said general manager Laura Maynard.

The café specializes in coffee and all espresso drinks, featuring Newington-based Saccuzzo coffees, as well as signature summer drinks like the bubbly and fruity “June Bug,” or the creamy, refreshing “Orange Julius Caesar.” Homemade lemonade, smoothies, and iced and hot teas round out the beverage menu.

Owned by Michael Porco, Sr, Village Perk manager Garrett Uhde and staff are happy to serve up locally baked pastries, quiche, and breakfast sandwiches such as the ham and cheese croissants, for the morning crowd. Soups, salads, and a variety of press-grilled panini sandwiches are already very popular, said Ms Maynard, and any time is a good time to indulge in desserts like tiramisu, cannolis, or any of 12 flavors of Gelato Giuliano, she added.

Many gluten-free items are included on the menu, and all but two of the gelato flavors are gluten-free. Dairy-free gelato is an option, as well.

Customers can choose takeout, eating at the booth or table seating indoors, or enjoy outdoor dining on the deck overlooking the Pootatuck River. Village Perk can accommodate larger groups for business luncheons or casual get-togethers. Plenty of nearby, off street parking is available.

“We have a phenomenal staff that is ready to serve Newtown’s residents,” Ms Maynard said.

Village Perk Café is open from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm, seven days of the week. For more information visit Village Perk Café on Facebook, or at www.villageperkcafe.com. Phone: 203-304-9440.