Hybrid Coffeehouse and Bookstore Coming Soon to Historic Gloucester Township, NJ

It's a coffeehouse. It's a bookstore. It's BOTH! And it's coming soon to a historic section of Gloucester Township, New Jersey.

There's a section of Blackwood off Black Horse Pike that I'm very excited to see is enjoying a little revitalization. It's the stretch between Almonesson Road and E. Lake Ave. where Meadows Diner is located.

That's the historic part of the town where older businesses of yesteryear have outlived their usefulness. Progress, am I right?

I look at some of those long unoccupied storefronts and think about all the possibilities. In particular, I had been hoping someone would come along and open up a coffee shop. Well, it looks like my wish is coming true!

Due in 2024 is Ren's Coffeehouse & Books, 42 Freeway reports.

Half of the space Ren's will occupy off the Black Horse Pike (across from Palace Caterers) spent some time as a used bookstore.

Ren's will reportedly take over both sides of the storefront, restoring the left to a new/used bookstore, and renovate the right side to become a coffee shop, which will also serve pastries and other snacks.

I LOVE this. I grew up in this area and I think this is a perfect location for a small business like this. It's exactly what's been missing. I just keep thinking that it reminds me of the movie 'You've Got Mail' and its fictional Shop Around The Corner bookstore.

via GIPHY

I'm equally enthusiastic for Ren's proprietor, too, who, according to 42freeway.com, has given up a profession in the corporate world to fulfill her dream of opening a coffeehouse. We should all be so brave!

Of the endeavor, Ren writes, 'My hope is to create that space for you, a space filled with coffee and creativity; a space to play games with friends and find your favorite books; a space to share your talents and ideas; and most importantly – a space to be authentically you.' What a lovely sentiment.

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I can't wait to become a Ren's regular! I'll keep you posted!