Café and bookstore moving spots in Clifton Park Center

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- MochaLisa’s Caffé is relocating within Clifton Park Center Mall. The café and bookstore is moving from its spot next to GameStop to inside the mall food court.

"The mall owner came to us with the idea of moving the café to another spot in the mall," said co-owner Nicole Van Zandt. "His group has big plans for the mall, which includes rearranging some of the tenants in order to place them near complimentary neighbors, improve customer experiences, and breathe fresh life into the mall."

The new space in the food court is the same size as the current space, said Van Zandt. However, they'll be able to make changes to fully utilize the space. In addition to having a private room for rentals, they'll have a stage for hosting local author events and readings, and will eventually build an outdoor patio. MochaLisa’s Caffé is also planning on getting its liquor license.

MochaLisa’s Caffé underwent an ownership change in November 2022 and had previously moved in the mall from next to Bath & Body Works to its current location. The café and bookstore is owned by Van Zandt and her husband Roland, and brothers Alan and Colin Hughes.

The MochaLisa’s menu features breakfast sandwiches, waffles, toast, pastries, wraps, salads, paninis, and a variety of coffees, teas, and other drinks. You can view the full menu on the café's website.

The new space is currently being renovated, said Van Zandt, and they hope to be open there in November. For the move, Van Zandt hopes to be closed for as little time as possible.

"Ideally, we'll close on a Sunday (normal time, 4 p.m.) and then be open in the new space in time for the following weekend," she said. "It all depends on permitting and approvals."

MochaLisa’s new space will have an indoor entrance near Marshall's and an outdoor entrance on the same side as Planet Fitness. The last major event in the café's current space will be its second annual Book-or-Treat event on October 27. They will also be having a celebration event in the current location before moving to the new space.

"We are proud of the community we've built since taking ownership of MochaLisa's in November of 2022 and will bring the same level of commitment in our new space," said Van Zandt.