New Norfolk cafe will focus on food and community

Text By Michael Cobb
Photo Courtesy of The Crippen Family

After more than 10 years owning and running Rex Cafe in Hell’s Kitchen and five years managing the iconic Mermaid Inn in Chelsea and Red Rooster in Harlem, New York City restaurateur Peter Crippen and his wife, Marinell Madden-Crippen, plan to bring their culinary expertise to the historic Station Place in downtown Norfolk. 

“Every town, every city, every neighborhood needs a meeting place, a local comfort place, a happy place where you can go and know you will be treated like a regular on your first visit,” Peter Crippen says. “But even more important, it’s where you can have great food and coffee every time.”  

The Crippens have balanced life in New York City and Norfolk for several years but recently made the definitive move to Norfolk. Embracing New England’s four seasons and celebrating Norfolk’s harsh winters, they plan to name their establishment the Icebox Cafe. 

The menu will feature coffee from specialty roaster Counter Culture; Rishi tea; breakfast sandwiches and burritos; breads, including sourdough, banana and pound cake; and muffins, vegan bars, scones and yet to be announced specials by local chefs. 

Though they are still in the final phases of planning, the Crippens are aiming to open their doors by Memorial Day. During the summer, Icebox Cafe will be open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; winter hours will be adjusted slightly to six days a week. 

When asked about their overall vision, Crippen offers that “the idea is to keep it simple, both with the layout and with the food. Instead of making 12 good items, we’ll make five great items.” His wife is in charge of the layout, he says, and will create “a warm welcoming vibe.” 

The couple is fully committed to life in the Northwest Corner. A talented actor and playwright, Marinell Crippen’s autobiographical one-act play entitled “Let’s Play” debuted at the Norfolk Library in February with her husband in one of the leading roles. 

“We live in the community and want it to be community friendly,” says Crippen. They see the Icebox Cafe as a place where they can invite local artists to showcase their art and will even put their own mixing spoons down so that “local home bakers can show off their showstoppers that all their friends love.”