Daniel Maurer From left: Edward Klaynberg and Eric BrodyWhen The Local told you about the new gallery and preschool at 41 Cooper Square, we mentioned that a coffee bar, Au Breve, was also planned for the space that the Preschool of the Arts leases from Cooper Union, in the ground floor of the school’s iconic new academic building. Earlier today, the operators, Edward Klaynberg, 28, and Eric Brody, 33, told us they’re aiming for a soft-opening next Monday. The duo is still talking to local suppliers about pastries and the like, but this much is certain: The coffee beans will be delivered daily from Brooklyn Roasting Company’s Dumbo plant.
Daniel MaurerMr. Brody, a real estate developer who grew up in Park Slope, said that given the cafe’s limited space, he and his partner are aiming for an espresso bar with a “European-type flavor”: “We’re interested in people coming in, having an espresso shot, talking, and moving forward to keep everything flowing.” A few seats will accommodate Cooper Union students, parents of preschoolers, and anyone else wanting to tap into free WiFi and linger over a cup of French press coffee. Sidewalk seating will be added once the weather is warmer.
Asked how he felt about the standoff between Cooper Union and the St. Mark’s Bookshop a couple of blocks away, Mr. Brody said, “Us being in the real estate field, we just pay the rent.” (Mr. Klaynberg, who was raised in Bensonhurst, is also a developer as well as a real estate broker and construction manager.) “Do your thing, God bless you, work it out.” He added, “Cooper Union has been a real inspiration for a lot of designers and people we deal with in this industry, so we wish them the best.”
