MILFORD, Connecticut — The saga between a porn shop and a megachurch in Devon will come to its final resting place in early May, when the former Video Pleasures site will become M-Bellish Café and Tea Room.
Kingdom Life Christian Church bought the property in 2003. Eventually the porn shop’s owner stopped paying rent, leaving in late 2005.
M-Bellish closed down a location in Stratford to move to the Devon site. Edward Perez, who will run the store with his wife, Carline, said the Stratford location was too small and the new site is double the size.
Kingdom Life Business Manager Earl Dancy describes the business as “eclectic,” noting that everything in the store, from the furniture to the decorations on the wall, is for sale. Perez said the store will also feature works by local artists.
The shop was supposed to open in March, but was held up because of issues with getting permits from the Building Department, according to Perez.
Kingdom Life purchased the building in 2003 with $245,000 raised by parishioners, seeking to bring in a retailer that wouldn’t need curtains in the windows.
“This is obviously very exciting for us,” Dancy said. “It’s one of the purposes we had in mind when we got involved in what some people saw as a controversial undertaking.”
Kingdom Life owns 22 properties in the city, including several church offices and a handful of residential buildings mostly in the Devon area.
Perez said he’s excited to turn around the site.
“I like the idea of what we’re replacing. I always went by that and thought, ‘Man, what a waste of space,’” he said.
M-Bellish will carry a variety of gourmet coffees and organic and loose teas. The shop will also have a daily afternoon tea at 4 p.m., with scones and assorted desserts, jazz on Friday nights, and fresh-cut flowers. The tea room can be reserved for private functions, such as bridal showers.
Perez said the business is run by the whole family, including their three children.
He added he’s excited to be a part of Devon, which is undergoing a state-funded, multi-million-dollar revitalization project.
“What excites us most about coming to the area was seeing and reading about the revitalization,” he said.
Carline Perez said the shop brings together all things relaxing, from essential oils to comfy chairs.
“It’s a place where you can stop and smell the roses,” she said.
The former Video Pleasures building underwent extensive renovations after the business closed, including installation of new vinyl siding, a new roof and heating system.
M-Bellish plans to hold a special Mother’s Day tea party.