Jay Draper and Mark Thompson, co-owners of SHOPPE, will be adding a cafe and new store later this year into the old Silvertron space next to the current store and greenhouse. SHOPPE is the popular floral, garden and gift destination in the heart of the Forest Park neighborhood business district.

Birmingham AL — Jay Draper and Mark Thompson, owners of Shoppe. Photo via Kristina O’Quinn for Bham Now

Originally a television repair shop, Silvertron Restaurant was a casual dining hotspot in Forest Park from 1986 to 2018. Last summer, Silvertron closed its doors and has been vacant for 10 months.

New Cafe and Store

Draper and Thompson aim to establish a cafe of their own in the Silvertron space and intend to serve light breakfast and lunch, along with loose leaf teas and quality coffees. The duo will also be developing an additional store with plans to move its successful home and living aspects over to the new location.

The current store will maintain its focus on plants, floral services and a treasure trove of unique gift items.

A Destination

Cedar, SHOPPE’s dog and faithful companion. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

“We’d like to be a destination where you can come bring the kids, pick up a good book and have an affordable lunch. Come over to SHOPPE and purchase a little gift for somebody and some plants to go plant in the garden,” said Jay Draper in an interview with Bham Now.

The new cafe and storefront is expected to open by early fall 2019.