Community Corner

Fifth Try's the Charm for Coffee Shop in Library?

The New Lenox Library's Board of Directors recently approved another coffee shop in the library.

Two Manhattan entrepreneurs are hoping their luck will be better than that of their predecessors. 

Debbie and Mark Vejvoda will open Just 4 U Cafe at New Lenox Library—the fifth in 12 years to attempt bringing brews to the books. 

The library board approved a one-year contract with the couple, whose shop will be open Mondays through Saturdays.

Find out what's happening in New Lenoxwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A sour economy and low traffic have been cited as the main reasons that Novel Brew, Windy City Espresso, Book and Bean Cafe and the Bookworm Cafe did not succeed in the space at Veterans Parkway.

“We felt if they (the Vejvodas) were willing to try it, we were willing,” library board president Lou Broccolo said during a meeting.

Find out what's happening in New Lenoxwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Just 4 U Cafe is expected to open in late April or early May. They'll serve both hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and other treats from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Library staff said the space was designed for a coffee shop, and they'd like to keep it that way. Patrons have said they want it, but need to support it. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here