Frequently Asked Questions

1. So… is Ferns really coming back?

Yes! Ferns is coming back. The building is under a purchase option by two local families. The goal is simple: bring Ferns back to life as a welcoming gathering place for Carlisle.

2. What’s the vision for the new Ferns?

Think cozy café meets country store — a place where you can grab your morning coffee, pick up milk or bread, share lunch with a friend, and still feel like you’re part of a small-town tradition.

The plan includes:
• A warm café with great coffee, sandwiches, smoothies, bowls, pizza, and family-friendly meals.
• Fresh, locally grown produce and local goods (baked goods, honey, jams, maple syrup).
• Everyday staples like milk, eggs, butter, bread, and pantry basics.
• Beer and wine.
• Community favorites like candy and snacks for the kids.
• A small general-store section with household essentials and local gifts.

3. What will it look like inside?

Picture wide-plank oak floors, soft lighting, vintage touches, and cozy seating — more market and café than convenience store. The design celebrates Ferns’ history but adds warmth, greenery, and natural textures. If you’ve seen the renderings, you’ll notice lots of natural light, a bar area, and more space to sit, read, or meet neighbors.

4. Will Ferns be a café or a full-service restaurant?

We’re still exploring the best setup, but Ferns will most likely operate as a hybrid — you’ll order at the counter, and we’ll bring your food to the table. It keeps things casual and efficient while still feeling welcoming. Down the road, we may incorporate seated, wait-staff dinners for special occasions or community events.

5. Will Ferns still be a community hub?

Absolutely. Ferns will continue to be Carlisle’s front porch for students, friends, workers, and neighbors.

6. When will Ferns reopen?

There isn’t a confirmed date yet — it depends on final DEP approvals and construction timelines. Our hope is to begin renovations as soon as approvals clear. Once construction starts, updates will be shared on fernscarlisle.com and social media.

7. Why is it taking so long?

Because the site is complicated. Ferns sits on a 21E environmental site, meaning there are strict state DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) steps before construction can begin. We’ve been working with environmental consultants and state officials to move things forward, but government shutdowns and scheduling delays have slowed that process. Once we meet with DEP and get a scope of the remediation, we can take the next steps.

8. Who’s behind this project?

Ferns is being restored by a few families who care deeply about the project:
• Amy & Ben Pirri
• Mark & Jill Kushinsky
• Sam & Kinnari Patel (Turnpike Market)
They’re all friends, parents, and small business owners with local ties, doing this as a passion project, not a profit play.

9. How can we help?

Right now, the best way to help is to stay engaged and keep the conversation going.
As we move forward, there will be opportunities for the community to get involved.