When the Bean & Barrel Café and Lounge opened its doors to the public for the first time on Tuesday, Jan. 20, it was to a full house. Many were family and friends, there were representatives of other Main St., Highland Falls businesses and local elected officials, and people just walked in off the street to see what was going on.

That day, the owners, sisters Sara, Gillian and Andrea Kelley, were happy to talk about their new venture into business: “The concept of Bean & Barrel was born from the desire to create a warm and inviting space in our community; a place where you want to gather with family, friends or colleagues to catch up, indulge with a delicious beverage, pastry or soup and enjoy the atmosphere.”

Persons at the ribbon cutting did just that after a few speeches – there was a long line for coffee, soups and sweet treats. Initially, they are “starting small” Sara Kelly said, “ramping up over time”.

“Our vision includes expanding to wine and fabulous charcuterie boards, hosting piano nights, barista training for teens and young adults, open-mic nights and more,” she said. “The espresso and espresso-based drinks we will feature are made from premium quality beans imported from Italy and our drip coffee will feature profiles from one of he oldest and most respected roasters in New England. A huge part of our motivation is delivering quality at a value that our community will want to support.”

Highland Falls Trustee Jen Gargiulo called it a “Friends-like” atmosphere, noting the couches, small tables and shelves of books. “This is what we like to see, this is what we want to see,” Gargiulo said. “Everyone is coming together to make things happen.”

Mayor Jim DiSalvo spoke too and encouraged the community to support the new business. “Congratulations,” he said to the owners and its staff. “As I say at a lot of these things, it’s tough in NY to have a small business. The courage and enthusiasm you have – please hold on to that.”

Bieger, a West Point resident, said he and his wife are frequent visitors to Main St. “When you think about the last year, you can see the change and the transformation that has started. There’s a really nice energy. None of that is possible without incredible people.”

He lauded the Kelley sisters for the transformation of the space. The building most recently was Gracie’s Café, and the Highland Falls Market/IGA for decades before that.

“What you’ve created here is really a gift to all of us,” Bieger said. “Thank you for that. The hard work, the effort, is going to benefit all of us. Congratulations to all three of you and your families.”

AOG’s Erin Helle served as the host of the event.

“We are so grateful to have your support as we work together to reimagine Highland Falls,”, she said. “Today isn’t just about opening a café, it’s about momentum. It’s about local leadership, entrepreneurship, and a kind of placemaking that makes this village a place where people want to live, visit and invest.”

Helle introduced the visiting dignitaries at the event, including the Town and Village Boards and West Point Garrison Commander Col. Dan Stuewe.

The establishment is located at 447 Main St., Highland Falls. Initial hours are 6 a.m.-6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.