EASTHAMPTON – While The Water’s Fine Goods + Coffee was closed due to the pandemic, they were busy renovating the space next door to them to expand their space. Owner Pat Foster said that expanding has been something they wanted to do because it provides more space for new products and seating.

Foster said the new space will allow them to expand several product categories such as coffee and tea supplies, kitchen and home decor, from textiles to art and unique one-of-a-kind items.

While the new additional space is not open for service yet, the construction is done and it is visible to patrons. Foster said as new items of the fall start to come in, she will fill out and open the new area.

The original space is open for limited outdoor seating on their patio next to the pond, take-out coffee, and in-store shopping.

“The Water’s Fine Goods + Coffee is a bright, open, welcoming space with a unique aesthetic. The coffee offers classic espresso drinks as well as seasonal specialty drinks, all of which can be enjoyed on our pondside patio. The gift area includes a curated selection apothecary, home goods, plants, and pantry items,” said Foster.

During the pandemic, there will only be six customers inside at a time and 12 seats available outside.

Foster said the inside capacity will increase when the additional space opens, when they start to offer indoor seating.

“Since reopening, we’ve seen so many of our regular customers come back, thrilled that we are open, loving the new space and enthusiastic about its opening. It’s very gratifying. With all of the trials and tribulations of running a small business right now, it’s what keeps us hopeful,” said Foster.

They are following the state mandated guidelines. Employees are screened every day for COVID-19 symptoms and they receive temperature checks. Surfaces are sanitized every hour and the register after each customer. Face masks and hand sanitizer or gloves are required for entry. Foster will continue to follow these safety measures when they open to full capacity.

The store and cafe, located at 20 Cottage St., is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.