The motto at Ren’s Coffeehouse & Books in Blackwood should instantly make anyone feel at home. As owner Lauren Meyer puts it, “We are coffee. We are books. We are a place where you can be authentically you.” It’s a place where all are welcome to drink, read, and relax.
Lauren’s, whose nickname is Ren, new business replaces the previous bookstore and coffee shop in town, The Book Asylum. The double storefront has a café and also doorframe guests can walk through to visit the bookstore. “The café has the vibe of a small town coffee shop somewhere out in the mountains,” Lauren says. The space features wood motifs and earth tones. Meanwhile, “the bookstore has a bright look to it with fun colors and plants.”
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Lite Bites & Locally Sourced Coffee
The menu at Ren’s Coffeehouse & Books offers an assortment of hot and cold drinks, pastries, and cookies. The cafe can seat sixteen guests inside, along with outdoor sidewalk seating at tables fit for two. The bookstore side also has seating in front of a large window. Their kid’s menu features small snacks like string cheese, cake pops, GoGo SqueeZ products, and Aunt Tinnie’s cookies.
Ren’s Coffeehouse & Books sources their coffee beans from a local roaster. Lauren says this ensures every cup is fresh and made with the best quality. Popular drinks include the Salted Caramel Pretzel Latte – which is also Lauren’s favorite – and the Blackberry White Mocha Latte. Lauren’s robust Flavors menu offers sauces, sweeteners, and syrups, as well as dairy, non-dairy, and sugar-free options. Not in the mood for coffee? Try one of the cafe’s Fizzies in flavors like Lavender Lemon, Pineapple Vanilla, or Butterscotch with cold foam.
A Cozy Spot For Books, Bags, & More
The bookstore side of Ren’s Coffeehouse & Books features a mix of new and used books, some by local authors. Lauren admits their selection of new books is small, but this is by design. She curates the section to only include new releases that are in high-demand. They also have a suggestion card so they can understand what kinds of selections customers are looking for. Patrons can sit at the large table in the back to either read or play one of their board games. The bookstore also offers items like hats and bags from local artists.
Ren’s Coffeehouse & Books is available to rent after closing hours for private events like birthday parties or book clubs. Future entertainment plans include book events, game nights, open mic nights, and Mario Kart tournaments.
About the Owner
Lauren grew up in Franklinville, and currently lives near Ren’s Coffeehouse & Books. She is a musician with a passion for coffee, books, and open mic nights. “This is what inspired me to create this space,” she says. “I wanted it to be a place where you could drown out the noise of the world and feel safe, accepted, and comfortable.”
Visit Ren’s Coffeehouse & Books at 26 N Black Horse Pike in Blackwood. Look for them online to learn more.
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Photos #1 & #2: © Laura Devlin
Photo #3: © Jeremy Hines
