City Council approved High Octane Coffee Creamery & Eatery for two Downtown Economic Development Incentive Grants at its regular Council meeting on April 11, 2023.
Incentives were developed by the City of Monroe in conjunction with the Monroe Downtown Master Plan to play an important role in revitalizing and promoting growth in the City’s center.
High Octane Coffee Creamery & Eatery is located at 114 Lancaster Ave. in the former Sinclair gas station which still has the gas pumps and dinosaur figures out front.
The owner of High Octane, Oscar Martinez, says he’s been working on the shop since February 2022 and has invested close to $100,000 so far. He says he wants to create a family atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating with offerings such as coffee, ice cream, waffles, crepes and sandwiches.
“I love this town! That’s why I’m here working on this project,” Martinez said.
Downtown Incentive Grants
City Council approved High Octane for the PRONTO grant and the Meet Me Downtown marketing grant.
The PRONTO incentive is a 50-50 matching grant that provides rent subsidies and up-fit assistance over a one-year period. High Octane was approved for a maximum amount of $6,500.
The Meet Me Downtown incentive is a 50-50 matching grant designed to help with marketing and advertising of new businesses in order to establish their presence and brand through a co-op marketing and advertising program. High Octane was approved for a maximum amount of $5,000 upon proof of paid invoices for marketing material.
The renovations and improvements to High Octane are expected to stimulate the local economy, promote business and result in the creation of at least 10 jobs that pay at or above the median wage.
“We’re incredibly excited to add another establishment where people can shop, dine and more in Downtown Monroe,” Matthew Black, Director of Downtown, said. “These incentive grants show the City’s firm support for new business, job creation, revitalization and improving the overall attractiveness and vibrancy of the area.”
If you’re interested in learning more about Downtown Economic Development Incentives, contact Matthew Black at mblack@monroenc.org or (704) 292-1705, or visit our Downtown Incentives webpage.