New York-Style Cafe and Deli to Open in Former Midtown Sacramento Dry-Cleaning Building

A New York-style cafe and deli is filling a portion of a former dry-cleaning building along J Street that has been vacant for several years.

The former Woodard Ficetti Cleaners and Dryers building at 2201 J St. in Midtown Sacramento has been converted into multiple suites since the building changed hands in 2019. Its first tenant, The Cappuccino Show, will fill an approximately 1,430-square-foot space in the building, which is being opened by business partners Juanes Ramazzini and Freddy Cohan.

The operators said the business, which will have a 1940s theme, will include a coffee shop specializing in different styles of cappuccinos and baked goods and a New York-style deli serving salads and paninis on bread made in-house with options such as pastrami, corned beef and roast beef.

Cohan, a principal with Monanich Design Firm, said the operators wanted to create a hub that brings the community together to connect, slow down and feel a part of something. Venturing into the food and beverage business has been a longtime goal of his, and the location they found has significance to him.

“This street — 22nd — is personal to me,” said Cohan, 55, in a text message. “It’s where I grew up, walked to school, and made memories with my family. This isn’t just another cafe — it’s the dream of a lifetime.”

Cohan met Ramazzini through mutual friend and late restaurateur Chris Jarosz. Ramazzini, who owns 12th Street pizzeria Luccas and Bambina’s Pizza and Pasta in the Ice Blocks, said he was looking for ways to expand his operations in Sacramento when Cohan approached him with his idea.

Ramazzini said the counter-service cafe and deli will feature lounge seating, booths and a bar area selling beer and wine, in addition to an outdoor patio area with additional seating with tables, umbrellas and planters. They’re also considering building a small stage for live music. The project is underway and is seeking approvals from the city to wrap up work. He anticipates the process could take at least five to six months to complete, with the goal of opening by November or December.

It once appeared a portion of the building would be filled by Tower Brewing Company after plans were filed with the city in 2021. However, Tower Brewing closed its East Sacramento brewery and taproom a year later and never opened in the Midtown space.