Main Street Business Spotlight: Vintage Cafe

If you take a stroll through the downtown district in Havre de Grace, Maryland, you’ll likely spot the vibrant colors and welcoming charm at the corner of Franklin Street and Union Avenue. Known locally as Union Square, this corner is home to Vintage Cafe—a beloved community staple serving rich local history, warm hospitality, and generous, diner-style comfort food.

Co-owner Richard Forton Jr. and his family took over the cafe in early 2023, carrying forward a culinary legacy that has nourished the city for over a decade.

A Havre de Grace Legacy Kept Alive

For over ten years, Vintage Cafe operated as a cozy breakfast spot tucked away on Washington Street. Rich fondly remembers discovering the hidden gem for the first time alongside his family:

“We just happened to go in for breakfast one day, met the owner, met the people running it, and loved the vibe,” Rich shares.

When the former owner prepared to transition away from the business, Rich partnered with his father and brother to buy the property. Driven by their love for the community, the family was determined to keep the Vintage Cafe story alive.

As line-out-the-door crowds became the daily norm, the team seized an opportunity to relocate to a larger building on Union Avenue. The expanded location provided much-needed seating to meet the growing demand for sit-down breakfast and lunch in downtown Havre de Grace.

Deep Local Roots & Family Heritage

For the Forton family, running a business in Havre de Grace is a true passion project deeply tied to their roots.

“I’m from Havre de Grace, but even more importantly, my family and my parents are all from here as well,” says Rich. “My dad has been in business here for over 30 years, and my brother owns an assisted living facility down the street… so it was important to us to give back to this community where we started.”

Today, Vintage Cafe remains family-operated at its core. When Rich’s brother transitioned to another business venture, his sister stepped in as a co-owner to manage daily operations. On any given day, you can find multiple generations—from siblings to aunts and children—working side-by-side.

Historical Ties, Local Art, and Community Spirits

The historic building at Union Square carries a colorful past. Over the decades, it hosted various restaurants, apartments, and even hotel rooms upstairs. Local legend suggests that infamous mobster Al Capone even stayed in the building during Havre de Grace’s historic racetrack and gambling era.

To honor that unique heritage, the Forton family adorned the interior with custom artwork created by local artist and family member Sean Forton. Custom murals and antique decor—donated in part by neighboring business Bahoukas Antique Mall—highlight historic moments across Havre de Grace.

Big Diner Portions & Fresh Local Ingredients

While the word “cafe” might bring small pastries to mind, Vintage Cafe breaks the mold with a robust menu crafted for big appetites:

The Classic Breakfast Platter: A timeless favorite featuring two eggs, crispy bacon, and diner-style potatoes.
The Big Ben Bowl: The cafe’s #1 top seller—a massive breakfast bowl packed with all your favorite morning fixings.
Farm-to-Table Burgers: Made fresh for lunch using high-quality beef sourced directly from local High View Farms in Harford County.
Seasonal Specialties: Delicious menu additions like their fresh, New England–style lobster rolls.

To top off your meal, Vintage Cafe whips up classic, old-fashioned milkshakes made on traditional mixers. These milkshakes became so popular that the city invited Vintage Cafe to host the official Milkshake Drinking Contest during the annual Havre de Grace Fall Fest!

Private Events & Paint Nights

Thanks to their roomier location at Union Square, Vintage Cafe serves as a flexible event venue after regular dining hours:

Community Paint Nights: Partnering with Sean Forton, the cafe hosts adult date-night paint events and creative kids’ paint nights (complete with ice cream making!).
Private Event Space: With large sunlit windows and ample parking, the space frequently hosts private family reunions, buffet-style parties, and civic meetings.

Deeply Rooted in Havre de Grace

Whether Rich is taking an early 5:30 AM bike ride through the quiet streets, strolling along the Promenade, or hitting the local parks with his three kids, his devotion to Havre de Grace is evident in everything he does.

“Being in Havre de Grace is more than just a decision because we bought a business; it’s because we are from Havre de Grace,” Rich says. “We live here, raise our kids here, and it’s important to us.”

Plan Your Visit to Vintage Cafe

Whether you want a sit-down meal with family, a quick carryout order, or a thick vanilla milkshake, the team at Vintage Cafe is ready to serve you.

Address: Corner of Franklin St & Union Ave (Union Square), Havre de Grace, MD
Hours: Open 7 days a week for Breakfast & Lunch
Ordering: Full menus and online ordering for takeout are available on their website.