Pilar Meyer , Bell Acres resident, is the new owner of Caffe 501 in Ambridge Image credit: Felicia Mycyk/Ambridge Connection
“It’s time to retire!” Kathleen Sabol said excitedly. After over a decade of operating Caffe 501. Sabol recently sold the business to longtime friend Pilar Meyer, Bell Acres resident.
When Sabol bought the property on the corner of Glenwood Avenue and Fifth Street in 2004, she wasn’t sure what she was getting herself into. In fact, she almost talked herself out of it. The site, formerly Sam’s Shoe Service, had been vacant for four years following Sam Castanza’s passing. She would end up spending the next three years addressing termite damage, neglect, and renovations, but finally, in 2007, Sabol opened the doors to Caffe 501.
When Sabol bought the property on the corner of Glenwood Avenue and Fifth Street in 2004, she wasn’t sure what she was getting herself into. In fact, she almost talked herself out of it. The site, formerly Sam’s Shoe Service, had been vacant for four years following Sam Castanza’s passing. She would end up spending the next three years addressing termite damage, neglect, and renovations, but finally, in 2007, Sabol opened the doors to Caffe 501.
Meyer is extremely excited about the new life being breathed into the entire Beaver County area but is particularly fond of Ambridge. “Kathleen and the Fischers were very welcoming when I first moved to the Pittsburgh area. I think that speaks volumes about the town.”
“I thought of her first because she recently purchased the movie theater on Merchant Street and I knew she had a real love of our town,” Sabol explained.
The Meyers have been learning the ropes of operating a café but made it clear they don’t intend to change much. “Maybe extend the hours a bit,” Meyer said. “We want to be a part of this new chapter of Ambridge. I’m proud of Kathleen has set in motion. She has done such an amazing job in helping to bring Ambridge back to life, and we want to continue that legacy.”
Sabol's patrons are sad to see her go, but they also understand Kathleen’s desire to hang up her hat and enjoy retirement.
"For the last 10 years Caffe 501 has been the best coffee shop in the world" shared patron Bob Niklewicz.
"Thank you Kathleen Sabol for providing the best coffee, company and camaraderie. Best wishes in your new endeavors" added Niklewicz.
Caffe 501 will not close during the transition. They will be extending their hours to 9 PM in the coming months.
Want to visit?
Caffe 501 is located at 501 Glenwood Avenue in Ambridge.
Current hours are:
Mon-Fri : 6am-3pm
Sat : 8am-1pm
Sun: 8am-3pm with Mac's Donuts every Sunday
Upscale coffee shop, with an Italian flair. Specializing in espresso drinks, fresh ground coffee, frappuccinos and homemade baked goods.
“I thought of her first because she recently purchased the movie theater on Merchant Street and I knew she had a real love of our town,” Sabol explained.
The Meyers have been learning the ropes of operating a café but made it clear they don’t intend to change much. “Maybe extend the hours a bit,” Meyer said. “We want to be a part of this new chapter of Ambridge. I’m proud of Kathleen has set in motion. She has done such an amazing job in helping to bring Ambridge back to life, and we want to continue that legacy.”
Sabol's patrons are sad to see her go, but they also understand Kathleen’s desire to hang up her hat and enjoy retirement.
"For the last 10 years Caffe 501 has been the best coffee shop in the world" shared patron Bob Niklewicz.
"Thank you Kathleen Sabol for providing the best coffee, company and camaraderie. Best wishes in your new endeavors" added Niklewicz.
Caffe 501 will not close during the transition. They will be extending their hours to 9 PM in the coming months.
Want to visit?
Caffe 501 is located at 501 Glenwood Avenue in Ambridge.
Current hours are:
Mon-Fri : 6am-3pm
Sat : 8am-1pm
Sun: 8am-3pm with Mac's Donuts every Sunday
Upscale coffee shop, with an Italian flair. Specializing in espresso drinks, fresh ground coffee, frappuccinos and homemade baked goods.
Caffe 501 Sabol's patrons are sad to see her go, but they also understand Kathleen’s desire to hang up her hat and enjoy retirement. "For the last 10 years Caffe 501 has been the best coffee shop in the world" shared patron Bob Niklewicz. Image submitted.
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