Bonham -- Bill and Chantal Carey, owners of the historic Smith-Moore-Williams building in downtown Bonham, are only weeks away from re-opening a portion of the building that will house a cafe and entertainment venue.
A soft opening for the Cafe at Smith-Moore-Williams is tentatively set for May 1, pending approval of various requirements by city and county entities. The cafe will serve snacks, soft drinks and coffee in an expansive 2,000 square foot area with a towering 15-foot-high ceiling. The Careys envision an interior that features a window bar, couch area, gift shop and candy center.
Located in the south portion of one of Fannin County's most iconic businesses, the couple hopes to draw on the rich heritage of Smith-Moore-Williams, a business that opened in 1901. The Careys own the entire Smith-Moore-Williams complex, which encompasses a sprawling 14,000 square feet. Eventual plans call for the structure to be an entertainment venue, studio galleries and offices, in addition to the cafe.
Cafe at Smith-Moore-Williams will host an entire spectrum of events for kids and adults. The Careys welcome community input at info@smithmoorewilliams.com, although it may be a few days before the email address is active.
If the cafe is up to code by May 1, Bill and Chantal Carey are tentatively planning on being open from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., hopefully with acoustic music from 7:00 p.m. until closing.
Another important date at the cafe will be May 4 when crowds flock to historic downtown Bonham for a full day of activities on Heritage Day. One of the oldest towns in Texas, Bonham will be celebrating 177 years of heritage on May 4 and what better time to visit Cafe at Smith-Moore-Williams. The Careys hope to have acoustic music at the cafe again Saturday evening as part of the Heritage Day Celebration.
Cafe at Smith-Moore-Williams is located at 221 North Main Street in Bonham.
