TEMPLETON – The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation [NCDMC] announced in August its approval of a $50,000 microloan for Templeton Café and Pub as owners Denise and Jeffrey Raymond work to expand the business.

The Raymonds took ownership of the café on Feb. 2, fulfilling a longtime goal for Denise Raymond, who said she had always wanted to own a restaurant. After retiring from nursing at 62, Denise said her husband brought up the idea of doing something together in retirement.

“He knew it was always a bucket list thing for me, and he wanted to help me make my dream come true,” she said.

Before taking ownership of Templeton Café and Pub, the couple had been looking at the former White Cloud Diner in Orange as a potential business. Those plans did not work out, and the previous owner of Templeton Café and Pub later reached out to see if they were interested in the business.

“So we jumped on,” she said.

Denise Raymond said she turned to NCMDC for financing to help with equipment and startup costs. She was also connected with assistance in developing a business plan.

NCMDC Senior Manager of Economic Development Sandie Cataldo said the organization’s microloan program is designed to support small businesses and entrepreneurs who may not be able to secure the funding they need through a traditional bank or credit union. NCMDC also provides technical assistance and connects borrowers with outside resources.

“[The Raymonds] did work with NewVue Communities, which is a nonprofit organization that helps with business plans and projections, which we need for our loans,” Cataldo said.

She said supporting businesses such as Templeton Café and Pub aligns with NCMDC’s mission of creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.

“That is really at the heart of what we are trying to accomplish through our small business lending program,” Cataldo said.

Since taking ownership, Denise Raymond said the café has added three waitresses and now has two cooks with overlapping hours, allowing it to open seven days a week with extra help on the weekends. The café has expanded its menu as well, with daily specials including shepherd’s pie, Swedish meatballs, meatloaf, turkey and fish.

“I’m trying to do homemade comfort food that we all grew up with,” she said.

The café is also in the process of obtaining a liquor license. If approved, Denise Raymond hopes to test out dinner service one Friday and Saturday night each month.

“There’s been a big request from the community,” she said.

She would also like to host more private events at the café, which is available for retirement parties, baby and bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and other gatherings. Events are held after regular business hours, and the café can seat 72 people.

As the business continues to grow, Denise Raymond said she wants to maintain a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.

“I just want it to be the go-to place,” she said.