PHOTOS BY KRISTY GRAVER

A former 7-Eleven is now a different kind of convenience store featuring coffee, clothing, fresh-cut flowers and community.

1659 Cranberry is the collective name for the 4,000-square-foot space on Route 228 shared by Café Conmigo Coffee & Tea House, Straight Line Boutique and Blooms. The new spot opened on Feb. 9 — just in time for Valentine’s Day.

If you’re a plant lover, prepare to swoon.

Designed Virginie Malet Architect from Bordeaux, France, the place is a green oasis in Butler County’s concrete jungle. You can buy a philodendron on your way out the door, but don’t be in a hurry to leave.

“People don’t have a lot of third spaces around here,” says Derek Davies, who launched the Café Conmigo brand four years ago in Wexford. “Our slogan is ‘Awaken your senses.’ We invite customers to slow down and enjoy the cafe life.”

Davies, a world traveler from Franklin Park, found inspiration for his eco-friendly company at a South American cafe. His goal was to create a similar place where people could reconnect after Covid or escape reality without leaving the suburbs.

It’s fitting that Café Conmigo’s third location will be at Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal, which opens in 2025. (You can thank Christina Cassotis, our 2024 Pittsburgher of the Year, for that.)

Like Davies, Nicole DiMatteo and Amy Medvec watched their respective businesses take off during the pandemic.

DiMatteo, an occupational therapist by trade, always had a flair for fashion. She started selling garments online and orchestrating Straight Line pop-ups around town, including at Café Conmigo. Two years ago, she opened her first brick-and-mortar space in Oakmont. Although she’s no longer working in the healthcare industry, DiMatteo helps women practice self-care by outfitting them with stylish, yet sensible, pieces that will enhance their wardrobe for a lifetime.

There’s hope for me yet!

Straight Line Boutique is nestled inside the cafe and flows right into Blooms. Medvec, a former teacher, started hosting build-your-bouquet flower bars at weddings and corporate events. The concept has blossomed into a second career. She sources the flowers from local growers and provides pops of vivid color throughout 1659 Cranberry.

It’s like the Garden of Eden, but the forbidden fruit is in the form of sugary lattes and goodies from Wild Rise Bakery.

Commonplace Coffee is still Davies’ roaster of choice (he cites owner TJ Fairchild as his mentor). In addition to plants, sweets and caffeinated beverages, you can stock up on local items, including Steel City Salt Co. blends, Pure Greens grub and bags of Best Ever Granola.

The 1659 crew hopes to host evening and outdoor events, offer workshops and private shopping sessions, partner with food trucks and serve as another boon to the booming area.