Kindred and Co., a 14,000-square-foot bookstore that serves craft coffee and includes a bistro, hosted its grand-opening celebration last week at 851 E. 4th Ave. in Post Falls, Idaho, the Spokesman-Review reported, adding that co-owners Elizabeth Harrison and Selinna Maesau created the space to connect people.
"There's something so special that can happen over a good cup of coffee or a shared plate with friends," Harrison said. "That's what we wanted to bring to Northern Idaho."
Maesau, who will manage the business, had previously told the Spokesman-Review that bookshelves will hold around 20,000 titles, comprise 8,000 square feet of the building and span two floors. The other 6,000 square feet is dedicated to the bistro, seating, a conservatory, and a community room that can be reserved for events.
"Every aspect of Kindred was intentionally and thoughtfully created with connection in mind," Maesau noted.
Harrison and Maesau have been best friends since they were 15 and share a love for traveling, where they find inspiration for their bistro menu, which features sandwiches, salads and shareable items such as charcuterie boards. The shop's rooftop deck will hold outdoor seating for the bistro until the business's second year of operation, when the owners hope to turn it into event space.
When they travel, the business partners make it a point to visit bookstores--partly because of their vested interest in them and to conduct research. "We wanted to take everything that we liked from other bookstores and make it our own," Harrison has said.
"Whether a booklover or coffee-connoisseur, goddess or guest, we invite you to enrich your mind and spirit with other kindred souls while you eat, read, sip, shop, and explore the vibrant energy at K&Co.," the bookshop says on its website.