Fairmount is getting a fresh caffeine jolt with a side of Mediterranean hospitality. Thalassa, a new cafe at 918 N. 28th St., is gearing up to open with a menu of pastries, house-made ice cream and European-style coffee drinks, including frappes and freddo espresso. Owner Matt Maltepes is pitching it as a cozy, hospitality-first hangout inspired by Greek and broader Mediterranean traditions, though he has not yet announced an official opening date.
Founder and concept
Thalassa takes its name from the Greek sea goddess and a term that translates to “Mediterranean Sea.” The project comes from local entrepreneur Matt Maltepes, who told What Now Philadelphia that he wants to bring the spirit of “philoxenia,” a Mediterranean practice of deep hospitality, into the space. He has described his goal as “transforming strangers into family,” with a menu centered on pastries, house-made ice cream and European coffee drinks such as frappes and freddo espresso, the Greek iced espresso shaken until it is cold and slightly frothy…