American Classics With a London Twist — Plus Lots of Coffee — Are Coming to Carroll Gardens

CARROLL GARDENS, BROOKLYN — A small coffee chain founded in London is making its way to Carroll Gardens — and it will be expanding its menu to cover breakfast, brunch and light dinners as well.

The American-born Tom Cummings founded East One Coffee Roasters in the British capital during a 25-year period when he lived abroad, he told Patch on Friday.

Until recently, he had two locations there, but sold them when he moved back to the States. Now, Cummings is aiming to open a new business of the same name at 384 Court St., the former home of the Casa Rosa Italian Restaurant.

Cummings, who says he hopes to begin serving customers by December, is currently applying for a liquor license, and is seeking the approval of Community Board 6's licensing committee. He will attend the committee's next meeting, scheduled for Sep. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the NYPD's 78th Precinct, located at 65 6th Ave.

For now, the owner said the future restaurant will seat about 100, and be open from approximately 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.

He said he wants East One to be "very low key [and] very brunch-oriented," adding that "our ambition is to be modern and relevant, but also reasonably priced" so that people can dine there regularly.

Cummings said he wants to serve locally sourced meals, and that he'll offer a largely American menu with a London influence. As an example, he said the breakfast menu will include a "Brooklyn fry-up," an American take on the British breakfast classic that combines eggs, beans and other elements.

Additional details concerning the restaurant will likely be discussed during next week's community board hearing.

Pictured at top: 384 Court St. Photo by John V. Santore