St. Charles bookstore continues still a staple
While some would rather grab a mocha latte and text message their friends at the nearest Barnes & Noble, others seem to have a more traditional notion of what a bookstore should be.
The charm of browsing for books in a 150-year-old structure appeals to many who say an independently owned bookstore is one of few timeless institutions left that offers a serene respite from an ever-changing, fast-paced world.
(Jessie King/For The Courier News)
(Jessie King/For The Courier News)
• Phone: (630) 584-8600 (bookstore) and (630) 584-8603 (cafe)
• Owner: David Hunt
• Business: Bookstore and cafe
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
• On the Net
Folks like these frequent Town House Books & Cafe in downtown St. Charles. Many times, these same folks extend their stay for a bite of lunch after the browsing.
One block east of the Fox River at the corner of Second and Cedar avenues in the historic Century Corners complex, Town House Books & Cafe has been serving area residents since 1974.
The longtime business predates the wave of chain booksellers, not to mention the Internet book sales boom.
Competing in today's market hasn't been easy, admits owner David Hunt. But he said there always will be those who prefer independent retailers to the cookie-cutter stores.
"We're one of the few remaining independent booksellers around," Hunt said. "We have a strong business, but certainly there are challenges in the market. With superstores and the Internet, you can get books everywhere now. But we have strong customer service ... and a unique atmosphere."
The unique ambiance found in the circa 1853 historic home carries over into the cafe, which features a menu of homemade soups and salads and creative sandwiches.
The charming rear courtyard is open for lunch daily, weather permitting, and tables are set up in front of the bookstore for casual coffee drinkers.
The cafe and the bookstore are open seven days a week. Breakfast is served from 9 to 11 a.m., and lunch is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Brunch is the prime feature on Sunday.
Marilou Kelly originally opened Town House Books & Cafe in 1974 and still works in the bookstore as a part-time sales clerk.
Kelly sold the business to Hunt in 1992, when the cafe portion -- formerly Al's Cafe -- was separately owned and operated.
In 1996, Hunt refurbished the cafe and created an entrance through the bookstore. Today, the literary-style cafe that has portraits of authors lining the walls has a grand feel with patterned carpet and dark woods, but with prices that are appetizing.
The cafe, which seats 40, offers breakfasts such as granola fruit salad for $8 and a quiche of the day for $7. The lunch menu includes salads as well as sandwiches such as Tuna Herb and Apricot Chicken. All items range from $6 to $8. Children's meals are available for $4 to $5.
Sunday brunch always has been popular, Hunt said, but it isn't a traditional buffet. Guests can choose entrees from the menu, each running $8 to $10, amid many gourmet choices that all have some sort of "twist," Hunt said.
"It's all a la carte and slightly different than what we offer weekdays," he said. "There are several breakfast items, and they all have a special twist."
Heidi Schmidt manages the 2,000 square feet of space in the bookstore, and Doug Bella manages the cafe side.
Hunt, who lives in St. Charles, said between the bookstore and the cafe -- two businesses that have attracted many followers over the years -- he is able to offer locals a charming spot and an atmosphere not easily found on retail-driven Randall Road.
"We provide a really well-trained staff and emphasize one-on-one service, special orders and a thoughtful selection of books that are hand-picked," Hunt said. "We attract business just by the Victorian house and the atmosphere alone. That is definitely part of the charm."