NEWBURYPORT – The popular Pleasant Street coffee shop Changing Tides has changed owners and is transitioning to be more than a coffee shop.
Anne and George Potts, who spent their careers in corporate finance, strategic planning and marketing, purchased the shop and its lovely back patio from Kimberly Dillon. George grew up in New York City and Anne in Connecticut.
They have already extended the hours, serve donuts three days a week instead of just on Fridays and are creating new signage to capitalize on the location between the Central Congregational Church and the city’s parking garage.
“It is a good spot,” said Anne Potts. “Now we are looking at what else we can do here. George has lots of good ideas.”
The café’s gem is the back patio that has seating for 24 around tables under brightly colored umbrellas.
The pair, who are more accustomed to the pace of corporate life, have jumped into run the busy café. They are fortunate to have inherited a strong staff that includes Charlie Guest and Hannah Pierce.
“Taking over an on-going business is like merging into a busy highway,” Anne said.
The café is enjoying a successful summer with it customer base expanding from the usual neighborhood crowd to customers driving in from around the North Shore, looking for George Howell Coffee they serve and fabulous pastries.
If you can judge a popularity of a café by the number of dogs and their walkers standing out front for treats, Changing Tides is a roaring success.
