New “cycling-inspired” cafe rolling into Highland Park

Future home of à Bloc cafe and cycling accessory store

HIGHLAND PARK — A “caffeine fueled, cycling-inspired” cafe is preparing to join the other new restaurants, bars and shops along York Boulevard.

The owners of à Bloc, which is taking shape inside  an approximately 1,300-square-foot storefront at 5025 York,  will not only serve coffee, pastries and snacks but will also sell custom cycling kits, urban cycling apparel, cycling accessories, caps, socks, water bottles and t-shirts.

“We want to bring our passion for coffee, cycling culture, and food together into one space, and build a community for like minded individuals to enjoy all three of these symbiotic elements,” said Kjeld Clark, one of the partners in the new shop.

The Clark and husband and husband-and-wife team Katherine and Johnny Richardson not only bring a love of cycling to the business but also backgrounds in retail and restaurants to run à Bloc. Clark owns a cycling apparel brand, superdomestik.cc, and has worked in bike shops and restaurants.  The Richardsons have extensive restaurant experience.

“Running any business takes many skill sets, and between the three partners we hopefully have them covered,” said Clark in an email. “Our three personalities will be revealed to our customers as we all put in time behind the coffee bar, pulling great shots and serving superb food, beverages and snacks.”

à Bloc is scheduled to open in April.

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