SCHENECTADY — The beloved local establishment, Novel BIBLIO•BREW, a unique blend of a cafe, bar, and bookstore, has announced its impending closure at the end of the year.
“It is with a heavy heart and a sense of melancholy that we announce our decision to close our doors by the end of the year,” was the message conveyed in a newsletter from Novel, released on Wednesday.
The popular State Street venue is the brainchild of Sara Mae Pratt, a member of the Schenectady County Legislature. Pratt initially launched the venture as Puzzles Bakery & Cafe in 2015, offering delicious lunches and baked goods, while also creating employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.
In the wake of the COVID pandemic, the cafe underwent a transformation, adding a bar, bookshelves, and restoring the vintage tin ceiling. It was reborn as Novel BIBLIO•BREW in early 2023, expanding its menu to include breakfast sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, and a comprehensive coffee and bar program.
Aside from food and drinks, the venue also offers a wide range of books, board games, and gifts, and is a popular spot for book clubs, game nights, and other community events.
“We have nurtured a vibrant community here. It’s a truly unique gathering space,” Pratt expressed.
The difficult decision to close the establishment comes as Pratt prepares to welcome a new addition to her family next year.
“It’s a personal heartbreak to close this chapter and embark on the next,” Pratt confessed. “But deep down, I know I can’t continue to shoulder this responsibility.”
“I am optimistic that someone might be interested in taking over what we’ve built and hopefully enhance it further,” she added.
There seems to be a glimmer of hope as community members have already shown interest in taking over the establishment. Pratt has received inquiries within an hour of announcing the news.
“We’ve poured our heart and soul into this place. My father even built the shelves and laid the flooring,” Pratt shared. “It’s been a true family endeavor and a labor of love. We hope to find the right person or group who can carry this space into its next chapter.”
Going forward, Novel BIBLIO•BREW will operate from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The last day for alcohol sales will be Nov. 30, but its coffee and food services will continue until Dec. 29.
“I’m eager to savor these last few months. I anticipate we will be busy and I look forward to relishing the best parts of running a small business like this,” Pratt said. “I know there’s a lot of sadness. Our exceptional staff are feeling it and so is our community of customers, but I believe this is a great opportunity to celebrate the time we’ve had together.”
“I know it’s a bittersweet moment, but we’re hoping to focus on the sweet as much as we can,” Pratt added.
Those interested in taking over the business can reach out to hello@novelbibliobrew.com. Novel BIBLIO•BREW is located at 515 State St. in Schenectady. For more information, visit novelbibliobrew.com.
Agreed, sad to see it go
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