Isaac Weiner
Owner, Familiars Coffee & Tea and Florence Pie Bar: Age 37
It’s called the Great Northampton Haunt.
This is an ambitious, 31-day, city-wide event designed to drive tourism, activate public spaces, and extend economic activity during October. And it’s just one example of how Isaac Weiner, co-founder of the Haunt, has become much more than a restaurateur doing business in Emerald City.
Indeed, he has become a force in economic developments within the city, efforts to promote its base of restaurants and retail establishments, and activities that increase foot traffic downtown, as we’ll see.
But first … he’s not just a restaurateur, but a successful one. He’s the co-owner, with his partner, Danny McColgan, of two popular eateries in Northampton — Familiars Coffee & Tea on Strong Street, and Florence Pie Bar on Main Street. Both establishments have become celebrated for their offerings, distinctive character, and ability to create welcoming experiences for their guests.
Success with these eateries helps explain why Weiner is a member of the 40 Under Forty class of 2026, but perhaps a bigger part of the story is his growing involvement in efforts to promote and bring more vibrancy to Northampton.
In addition to the Haunt, this involvement includes work with Summer on Strong, a transformative outdoor dining and social experience that has grown into a premier seasonal destination, and the Market Street Market, a seasonal marketplace created to amplify visibility for businesses in that section of the city.
Launched during the pandemic, Summer on Strong has become an institution in the city and the region, a summer-long block party, bringing together live music and food from several restaurants in a festive atmosphere — a section of Strong Street closed to vehicular traffic.
“That first year we closed down the street, we had live music, we had a ton of outdoor dining, and I think at that time we all knew we had just done something spectacular,” he said, adding that the celebration has been back each year by popular demand and through the support of the city and the hard work of organizers.
Meanwhile, Weiner currently serves as vice chair of the board of the Downtown Northampton Assoc., and he was recently appointed to the board of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce.
Add it all up, and Weiner is much more than someone doing business in Northampton, He’s someone committed to the economic vitality and long-term sustainability of the city’s vibrant and ever-evolving downtown.
—George O’Brien
