A combination bakery, café, and bar promising expertly crafted coffee, elevated pastries, and handcrafted cocktails all under one roof is coming soon to Reading.
According to recently filed permits, The Bean & Barrel is under construction at 45 High St, taking over half of the space formerly occupied by the Lava Laundry laundromat. The new spot sits within the same development set to welcome DiBlasi’s Subs.
While the full menu has yet to be released, The Bean & Barrel describes itself as “a new kind of espresso, cocktail, and bakery experience,” and recently teased a Quarter 2, 2026 opening on Instagram:
There’s a lot of work ahead to bring this vision to life, but we’re thrilled to take you behind the scenes as we build something truly special. From design progress to menu development, we’ll be sharing the journey every step of the way. Thank you for joining us as we create a space where great coffee, curated cocktails, and elevated bites all come together. We can’t wait to welcome you in 2026.
The café’s tagline, “Crafted with intention — served with style,” hints at a space designed for both everyday coffee rituals and fun nights out. Locals can likely expect specialty espresso drinks and an array of small-batch pastries and baked goods, alongside curated cocktails designed to complement the café atmosphere.
Local entrepreneur Giuseppe Fodera, who also serves as president of GCFodera Contracting Company, is spearheading the project. He briefly confirmed the news with What Now Boston, though he has yet to shared an official menu or grand opening date. Stay tuned as construction progresses and more details about menu offerings, cocktail specials, and opening festivities are announced.
