TreatPetite, Home of All Things Kefir, Coming to Grove Street and Seventh Avenue South

Lauren Shockey

When the ice cream parlor won't do

Signage is up at 61 Grove Street (212-414-0222) for Treat Petite, a soon-to-open espresso bar and creperie that will also specialize in kefir, the probiotic beverage made with kefir grains and cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk.

According to posters boarding up the windows, the coffee selection will include brews from Intelligentsia and the kefir will be served frozen-yogurt-style with fresh fruit toppings, making it somewhat of a direct competitor with companies like Pinkberry and Red Mango.

Kefir has become more popular in recent years as Americans discover its health benefits, including its aiding in digestion and its anti-aging properties. It's already somewhat of a popular breakfast beverage in Northern and Eastern Europe. It will be interesting to see how it competes in the dessert sector, though. But if there's one thing New Yorkers love come summer, it's a cold and tasty snack while walking down the street.

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