A new Oshawa record store and café called The Press is being prepared for downtown, bringing former Kops Records manager Will McGuirk back to the city’s music scene.
McGuirk and restaurateur Domenic Albis plan to open the record shop, coffee space and evening lounge at 34 King Street East. The address is the former Kops location, which closed at the end of July after serving as a gathering place for local musicians, artists and vinyl collectors.
The Press will combine records, coffee and events
DurhamRegion.com reports that the partners acquired the space at the end of August and are working toward an opening that could come as soon as September. A firm opening date has not been announced.
The initial plan includes records, coffee, seating, a DJ booth and a listening station. Food and licensed drinks are also being considered. Unlike the former store’s daytime retail schedule, The Press is expected to operate more as an evening or date-night destination.
McGuirk managed the Oshawa branch of Kops Records and used the shop for live performances, pop-up events, local releases and collaborations. He told the newspaper that customers will still find him behind the counter, but the café format should give people more time to talk and connect.
Name reflects music, coffee and journalism
The name refers to pressing vinyl records, pressing coffee and McGuirk’s background as a journalist. Plans call for memorabilia from local bands and former venues, including signed merchandise, performance photographs and posters from clubs such as the Moon Room, Moustache Club and Star Club.
Albis manages Avanti Trattoria and is part of a family that owns several local businesses. McGuirk credited his investment with helping move the idea from a conversation about a downtown nightclub into a broader record, café and community-hub concept.
The opening would be a substantial follow-up to the closure of Kops Records. The Press aims to reuse the same address while introducing a different hospitality-focused model.
