AUBURN — Sadie Blais went into the Engine House to get a tattoo at Fianna Studio in February and came out with a new design for her future venture: Break cafe.

The new cafe — opening soon — will join Fianna on the first floor of the former city firehouse on the corner of Spring and Court streets, which has been almost completely restored.

“I came in here to get a tattoo from the guy that owns the building and I fell in love with the space,” Blais said. When the tattoo artist recommended a coffee shop, Blais jumped at the idea.

“I’ve always wanted to open my own business, and I said OK, I’m going to do it,” she said.

With her experience working at her family business, Rolly’s Diner in New Auburn, and with the help of family and friends, Blais began building her business.

“My dad has been here every day helping and guiding me, and my uncle did all the construction,” Blais said. “My family has been really supportive.” 

Blais envisions Break being a local hangout, a cool shop that welcomes people for a quick detour on their lunch break or for the day.

“I tried to create a place that people will not only want to come in for good coffee and food, but to hang out whether to work or catch up with friends,” Blais said.

The menu will include coffee, homemade doughnuts, paninis and smoothies.

“I’m excited about doing hot oatmeal all done up with tons of different toppings,” Blais said.

She plans on trying to keep everything local, including food and decor. She’ll be hanging local art to sell and display.

Blais said she plans to hold a soft opening sometime this month, followed by something bigger.

“People are really excited about it,” she said. “I haven’t advertised, but I get people stopping in all of the time or messaging me on Facebook asking about it. I think this area is really excited to have something new.”

The Auburn Public Library is reflected in the windows of a soon-to-open coffee shop on Court Street in Auburn on Monday afternoon. (Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal)

Avery Page hides behind his mother, Sadie Blais, as she takes a break from setting up her soon-to-open coffee shop, Break, in the Engine House on Court Street in Auburn on Monday afternoon. (Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal)