By Frankie Sailer

Just a block from beloved Marshall Street, tucked in Suite 100 of the University Area Apartments, is Heritage Cafe. Owner Michele Rochkind has been serving students and other Syracuse residents since August 27, 2017.

When Rochkind graduated from Penn State with a degree in Print Journalism and Psychology during the tail end of the recession in 2010, there were not many employment options. Instead of sitting idle, she pursued her dream of culinary school and attended The International Culinary Center in New York. After a few years of work around different New York City kitchens, she moved back up to Upstate New York, where her family is from.

When her father offered her the basement in the building he had purchased, of what was a former nursing home, Rochkind jumped on the offer to open up her own cafe. After a grueling year and a half construction and remodel process, she quickly came up with her menu and officially opened for business.

In terms of the menu, Rochkind’s personal favorite is the roasted vegetable panini (pictured below). She says the student favorite by far is the chipotle chicken sandwich, with the turkey and avocado as a close second.

The Heritage Cafe also offers special deals for their customers. Every Monday from 7am-3pm they offer half-price on all their sandwiches. On top of that, every day from 2-3pm Heritage offers half-price pastries and espressos. They announce all their promotions through their instagram, @HeritageCafeSyr. Make sure to follow the Instagram for potential midterm and finals week deals!

Future plans for Rochkind? Her short term goals are to sell more of her homemade baked goods and of course, increase her customer base. Further down the road she wouldn’t be opposed to the idea of a second Heritage Cafe, or even a full service French restaurant.

Next time you’re on Marshall Street and looking for a panini, salad, coffee or delicious baked good, do yourself a favor and walk the extra block to Heritage Cafe.