Meet McCauley’s newest coffee bar
Paper Birch is poised to become a new community hub
On Sunday, February 23, community members are encouraged to welcome McCauley’s latest coffee bar, located centrally inside Paper Birch Books.
Accompanying the new offerings are family-friendly events as part of Lantern Fest in McCauley. The parking lot in front of Paper Birch will be a hub for the day’s activities including a pop-up portrait studio, Flipside BBQ’s food truck, family craft tables, Mahjong lessons, and Lion Dances by Yuet Wan Society. Lantern Fest is free to attend and runs between 10 am and 3 pm, with the bookstore open until 4 pm.
“We’ve been open as a bookstore for about two years now,” says owner Celine Chuang. “It’s been lovely and enthusiastic. Because of that, we’ve had enough support to launch a coffee bar years ahead of schedule.”
With a successful soft launch under their belts, owners Celine Chuang and Benjamin Hertwig are eager to formally debut their hot drink menu alongside local pastries from La French Taste and Sugared & Spiced. The community's feedback and support have been instrumental in shaping the coffee bar's offerings, and the owners are committed to continuing this collaborative approach. While any future plans are subject to the wishes of their community, readers can look forward to a patio space as the days grow longer and eventual licensing for alcoholic beverages.
“I hope coffee will make us a community hub,” Chuang explains. “We like those little points of connection. It makes our communities better and safer.”
Two new baristas joined the Paper Birch team to support the opening of the coffee bar — both previous employees of the recently closed Mandolin Books & Coffee Company. The new team is combining their love of coffee and literature with Paper Birch ownership to offer a diverse menu of locally blended teas, specialty coffee, and a variety of milk alternatives for various consumers.
“We want to be a place for connection and comfort,” Chuang says. “There’s a lot of stigma about what our neighbourhood is. The truth is, there is a lot of heart.”
Paper Birch Books
10825 95 St
Tue-Fri 10-6
Saturday 10-5
Sunday 10-4
Monday 10-5
The crowd on Sunday, with folk hanging out in the sun, was lined up all around the store. Good luck to Paper Birch. Happy Freedom to Read Week.
We need more community hubs like Paper Birch. I've noted more coffee shops opening these past two years... sign of a lively community. I will enjoy my coffee and a good second hand book!