A New Hub of Community Activity Opens in Franklin

Andover's Lauretta Phillips is on the board

August 13, 2015 • Saved under Other Organizations
Press release
The Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony recently to celebrate the opening of The Franklin Studio, a non-profit coffee shop, cafe, performance space, and New Hampshire-made gift shop on Central Street in Franklin that promises to become a hub of activity in the community. Pictured at the ceremony are Bob Lucas, Jim Protzmann, Eli Elder, Lauretta Phillips of Andover, George Dzujna, Ken Merrifield, Kathy Pevine, Scott Burns, Jo Brown, Adam and Sarah Theriault, Todd Workman, Scott Brown, Carol Protzmann, and Meri-lynn Banton.
The Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony recently to celebrate the opening of The Franklin Studio, a non-profit coffee shop, cafe, performance space, and New Hampshire-made gift shop on Central Street in Franklin that promises to become a hub of activity in the community. Pictured at the ceremony are Bob Lucas, Jim Protzmann, Eli Elder, Lauretta Phillips of Andover, George Dzujna, Ken Merrifield, Kathy Pevine, Scott Burns, Jo Brown, Adam and Sarah Theriault, Todd Workman, Scott Brown, Carol Protzmann, and Meri-lynn Banton.

The Franklin Studio opened its doors officially on August 1 after extensive renovations. The original tin ceiling, the soft tan and dark green walls, soft lighting, and the original wood floors give this small cafe and gift shop a warm ambiance that encourages relaxing conversation.

Andover’s own Lauretta Phillips, member of the board of directors for this non-profit enterprise, hosted storytelling and music under the tent outside, while inside the store was a beehive of activity. Local musician Mike Manning shared fantastic vocals and some of his own music on an acoustic guitar. Storytellers included Simon Brooks of New London, Ruth Niven of Franklin, Sharon Wood of Claremont, Peter Brodeur of Andover, John Sanders of Nashua, Shelly Hersey of Dover, Claire Chandler of Loudon, and of course Andover’s own Lauretta Phillips.

The Franklin Studio houses a cafe which serves such things as coffee roasted in Amherst, New Hampshire, from A&E Roasters; local area pastries; and donuts, brownies, and of course Bristol Fudge Factory Fudge, and that is not all. They have iced coffee and some fantastic teas.

Among the all-New Hampshire-made crafts, you will find maple syrup and candy, sauces and jams, hand-crafted quilted items, jewelry, stuffed toys, wooden toys, games, baby items, bags, soaps, and lotions.

“The items are always changing,” says Lauretta Phillips. “We look for new ideas and quality New Hampshire-made products. Each item and vendor goes through a jury process to ensure quality and reliability.”

Lauretta, who is a storyteller and quilter herself, loves the old crafts and understands the quality and time that goes into making these products.

The Studio, under the auspices of the Franklin Business and Industrial Development Committee (FBIDC), is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to operate a coffee shop and New Hampshire-made retail store to provide a casual meeting place in downtown Franklin to help promote the revitalization of the city.

Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Thursday’s hours will be extended to 7 PM in the near future.

The Franklin Studio, located in the old Buell Building at 366 Central Street in Franklin, will begin hosting events such as Evenings with the Artist, storytelling concerts, and music concerts beginning in late September. Check out TheFranklinStudio.com and the studio’s Facebook page for more information. (Psst! Expansion plans are already in the works.)