Melinda and Amanda Martinson look at each other … a bit quizzically … a slight, wry tilt to their mouths.
The pair – Melinda (mom) and Amanda (daughter) – are co-owners of Crescent Moon within the Haymarket District. The query that precipitated the look was, “What’s Crescent Moon?”
Amanda takes a breath and considerably bemusingly solutions, “We’ve been making an attempt to determine that out for 10 years.”
Whereas prospects have at all times been in a position to get a cup of steaming espresso or aromatic tea, the institution has moved round a bit throughout its virtually 21 years of existence.
Initially opened by former Lincoln singer/songwriter Terri Jo Dodson within the Haymarket space in 2001, Crescent Moon moved to the Veith Constructing on the north facet of P Road between Eighth and Ninth streets in 2005. When Dodson determined to promote the espresso store in 2007, the Martinsons bought it.
Whereas Melinda and Amanda discovered the courtyard space that adjoined their enterprise was nice in good climate, not a lot within the winter. The pair additionally discovered the scale of the store to be restrictive and limiting for purchasers and the emphasis on native music that was began by Dodson and carried on by the Martinsons.
Persons are additionally studying…
In 2010, Crescent Moon and the Martinsons moved throughout P Road and right into a lower-level location. They spent a month transforming the area, which was tucked away and considerably void of foot visitors. However that modified, and in June of that yr, Crescent Moon reopened.
“The area didn’t have any operating water and had garish fluorescent lighting and extra,” says Melinda. “However we noticed potential and discovered some classes. We didn’t know what we didn’t know.”
Crescent Moon’s environment is cozy, comfy and welcoming, encased by uncovered brick partitions with artwork.
The Martinsons have continued their dedication to Lincoln’s inventive group, and Crescent Moon is thought for its Open Mic Nights, which start at 7 p.m. Wednesday nights are reserved for writers and poetry, with Thursdays that includes songwriters and Fridays specializing in bands and dwell music. The store additionally participates within the metropolis’s First Friday Artwork Stroll. As well as, Amanda mentioned that Thursday mornings have develop into a casual enterprise/tech dialogue time.
Amanda mentioned that it’s enjoyable to observe and be a part of the number of people who attend the totally different Open Mic Nights. “We’re at all times packed on these nights. It simply wouldn’t be the identical if we weren’t in a position to serve these particular communities.”
The store’s demographic modifications all through the day – enterprise professionals and individuals who dwell within the downtown space within the mornings, with principally college students learning within the afternoons and the creatives within the evenings. Crescent Moon additionally has a personal room for personal/casual occasions akin to guide golf equipment, commencement events or engagements. “It’s like a life cycle of shoppers,” Melinda says.
The store serves quite a lot of single origin and domestically roasted coffees, unfastened leaf teas, espresso specialty drinks, regional craft beer, wine and cocktails. Its menu affords made-to-order crepes, panini sandwiches and do-it-yourself baked items.
5 panini sandwiches are listed on the menu – Grilled Cheese ($5.50), Turkey and Cheese ($5.50), Ham and Cheese ($5.80), Turkey Caprese (turkey, basil pesto, mozzarella and roma tomatoes, $6) and Veggie (inexperienced peppers, onions, mozzarella, basil pesto, roma tomatoes, basil and oregano, $6).
A alternative of 5 candy and three savory crepes can be found for diners – Powdered Sugar ($3.50), Cinnamon Sugar ($3.50), Nutella Banana ($6), Strawberry Banana ($5.50), Strawberry Nutella ($6.50), Egg and Cheese ($6.50), The Works (onions, peppers, eggs and cheese, $7.20), and Inexperienced Eggs and Ham (eggs, cheese, cherry smoked ham, basil pesto and roma tomatoes, $8.50).
In keeping with the Martinsons, the Inexperienced Eggs and Ham crepe and the Turkey Caprese panini are the shopper favorites.
Recent pastries together with scones, muffins, cinnamon rolls, cookies and bars price $2 to $4. Espresso and tea drinks vary from $4 to $5.50.
In keeping with Melinda, Crescent Moon is kind of a house away from residence for individuals … nice. Amanda provides that prospects will expertise a great environment with food and drinks to match.
What’s Crescent Moon? “A social hub with somewhat little bit of the whole lot,” in keeping with the Martinsons.
