You may be familiar with our location.
The little red dining car that Familiars Coffee & Tea calls home has quite a legacy in downtown Northampton - and we couldn’t be more excited to continue it. When we moved in during the spring of 2019, it was important to us to celebrate the heritage and memories of the spot, while creating something entirely new.
Today at Familiars, we offer the finest choices in specialty coffee and teas, along with the very best in local comfort foods - served fresh daily.
We’re also focused on doing our part to build a strong and vibrant community here in Northampton. We love our little town, and strive to make Familiars a welcoming and open gathering space. Meet a friend. Take in some local art. Split a cookie. See you again soon.
About Us
Familiars Coffee & Tea is the creation of entrepreneurs Isaac Weiner and Danny McColgan. The two met during their undergraduate educations and lived together in Boston during and after school. While they lived in Boston, the two developed a passion for the world of specialty coffee and tea, each working at and eventually managing shops in Downtown Boston.
Eventually, the two relocated to the Pioneer Valley where Danny was raised to get away from the chaos of city life and put down some roots. They had been planning a ‘dream cafe’ throughout their time together in Boston and came to realize that Downtown Northampton MA was the perfect place to transform that dream into a reality.
Bringing their knowledge and experience of the worlds of coffee and tea together, they visualized Familiars Coffee & Tea—a cozy space that focused on genuine customer experiences and an opportunity to feel ‘familiar’ with the folks behind the counter, all while enjoying a handcrafted speciality coffee or tea beverage. Continuing on the theme of familiarity, Isaac and Danny wanted to offer a menu that felt approachable and simple, focusing on sandwich and salad staples that compliment the beverage menu and accommodate various dietary restrictions and preferences. The iconic red lunch car diner on Strong Ave, an institution in its own right, was the perfect location to bring this all together.
A Little History
Our location has seen a lot of history and change in downtown Northampton since it was established in 1932. Here’s a look at some milestones over the years:
1932 - Mac’s Diner opens with the Worcester Lunch Car on the site of the former Amos Diner under the ownership of William “Mac” Maginnis
1940 - name changes to Jim’s Diner
1945 - name changes to Miss Northampton Diner, remains as such until 1973
1973 - name changes briefly to White Castle
Late 1973 - name changes to Red Lion Diner
1989 - name changes to Kathy’s Diner. Owner Kathy Teft purchased from her mother.
2013 - Kathy’s Diner closes. The building is purchased by Gary Perman, who begins major renovations. The oak paneling throughout the lunch car was salvaged from Eagle A. Paper in Holyoke, MA. The back room was part of their executive office, reassembled into what had been Kathy’s kitchen.
2019 - Familiars Opens!