You may not have discovered it yet, but there is a new coffee and book hub in downtown Paris. All Things Coffee and Books is now open for locals to stop by and enjoy more than just a good cup of coffee.
“We have taken bits and pieces from coffee shops all over the country that we have visited and brought many of those inspired thoughts to this shop,” said owner Shauna Mercaldo.
Mercaldo co-owns All Things with friend Denise Williams, and between the two, they are hoping their faith-based company will fill a niche that they saw here in Paris.
“We saw a need for a place like ours here in Paris and specifically in downtown,” said Williams. “There wasn’t a place where people could quickly jump in to get a snack and coffee or a place where people could sit back and relax or even have a visit with friends and family.”
“The idea of All Things began several years ago originating from some time spent with a group of pretty great kids. As it grew and took tangents, we felt God calling us to what we call the “Old Providence Ranch Building’,” said Mercaldo.
The new shop offers more than what meets the eye. As you enter through the main entrance, you immediately feel like you have stepped out of Paris and into a Seattle or Missoula feel type shop where you can sit and just get lost in a book as you sip on a coffee.
As you delve further into the store, you’ll see a kid’s playroom which is a feature that both women say was an essential part of creating their business.
“The playroom allows for kids to have a place to go while mom or dad catch up with friends or family without having to worry about keeping the kids entertained,” said Williams.
As you step into the back part of the space, you are welcomed with a small bookshop style nook that also boasts hand made decor signs, coffee mugs, t-shirts, and faith-based books for all ages several coloring books.
And as you take a breath and turn around, in front of you is the coffee bar and snack station that you nearly forgot was there and was the reason you wanted to pop in.
“We are very proud of this space and what we are hoping to achieve with it as it grows,” said Mercaldo.
The shop was created out of a “leap of faith”, by the women as an extension of their non-profit that will utilize funds for their yearly summer camps for kids in part with their ministry, All Things. This year’s camp is unfortunately canceled due to COVID-19.
Both Mercaldo and Williams are members of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Paris; both also are very involved in youth ministry. Thus the reason for the drive to be able to offer more than coffee, and more for their community to enjoy.
“Just like people, God does not always use the likely, and this old building used for things gone by now has a new purpose. Our vision of families, music, ministry, and a lot of coffee is taking shape one day at a time,” said Williams. “We are thrilled that our lighting is going up and can’t wait to open our doors and share All Things with you.”
As they begin to welcome customers into the new shop, Williams and Mercaldo said that longtime friend Shannon Stone had been a big part of their initial success.
“Shannon has been such a great help with helping us settle into the opening. We couldn’t have done it without her,” said Mercaldo.
All Things Coffee and Books will update special events through their Facebook page for open mic nights, karaoke nights, and much more. The store is located at 138 Lamar Ave and is open Tuesday and Thursday from 6 a.m.- 7 p.m., Friday 6 a.m.- 9 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.
