Fresh lettering (Photo: Anna Silman)

Judging by the crews of builders and painters knocking their way through the space at the corner of Orchard and Broome, the reinvention of 88 Orchard is well underway. Never a dull moment on the LES!

Irving Farm Coffee Roasters announced in March that it was taking over the long-running Lower East Side cafe. The artisanal coffee chain has four locations in New York in addition to their roastery in Hudson Valley, offering sustainably-sourced coffee, craft beers and cafe-style food.

Renovation underway (Photo: Anna Silman)

B+B spoke to owner Steve Leven, who told us that the new cafe will open next Thursday with the same menu as the other Irving Farm locations, with healthy sandwiches and egg dishes in addition to gourmet coffee and beer.

For many Lower East Siders, the replacement of an independent cafe with a high-end chain is an ill omen for the rapidly changing neighborhood. But Leven doesn’t mince words about the transformation.

“The quality of the food is going to go up. I think it’s going to be a lot better value now. And the coffee will be better, and it’ll look nicer,” he said.

Still no WiFi though, so for those hoping to sip and surf — it’s off to Starbucks with you.

Irving Farms Coffee Roasters. 88 Orchard St. 212-228-880