About Poppy's Café

Poppy’s Café located at 27 Purchase Street in Rye first opened its doors in 1985. Its owners, Gerri Piovesan and Robert Chapderlane, were a father-daughter combination which quickly drew in customers with their charming demeanor and “get it yourself” attitude. Gerri, the sole owner since 1991, has lived and/or worked in Rye her entire life. Robert “Poppy” Chapderlane, the restaurant’s namesake, grew up in Rye, went to Rye City Schools and was a Rye Police officer. Poppy passed away in 1996.

Poppy’s Café has been in business for more than 28 years. Prior to owning Poppy’s. Gerri Piovesan worked in Rye at Baskin & Robbins (now Subway), which was  owned by her mother, Hilda Chapderlane and her aunt, Irmi Buxeder, just a few doors down from the café on Purchase Street and quickly learned how to run a first-rate business in a small community. Established in 1964 by hardworking sisters Hilda and Irmi, Baskin & Robbins had a successful 20 year run in Rye.  Poppy’s Café has continued that tradition to this day.

“It seems as if our family has been always been a part of Rye and the local community. Our customers are our friends and our friends are our customers, we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

    --Gerri Piovesan

Before it was Poppy’s Café

27 Purchase Street has seen many owners as well as patrons through its many impressive years. The first restaurant to occupy this space was the Potted Palm, which lasted about one year. Next in line was Harry Stein’s Coffee Shop, as many old timers remember it. Then there was Café Josip, which lasted a short while, that eventually gave way to the Gallery Café, who’s rein was even shorter. The Gallery Café was closed and boarded up for good until Robert L. “Poppy” Chapderlane came along. Thanks to his determination and persistence, Poppy and Gerri, Poppy’s Café was born.  Poppy’s Café opened its doors in 1985 with Poppy at the grill and Gerri as the CEO. Poppy had no idea of how to be a short order cook and was petrified at the idea of customers, but quickly learned the ropes and became a favorite of its patrons.

Contact information

Poppy’s Café

27 Purchase St
Rye, NY 10580
Phone: 914-967-1544

Email: poppys@poppyscafe.com