MoJoe's Book and Brew will open later this year in the Cortland Corset Building at 75 East Court St., Cortland, N.Y. The Cortland Standard reported that after considering the idea and trying to make it a reality for eight years, Molly Lane and Joe Cortese are looking forward to opening their business. Renovations are underway.
Cortese said that the store will include a cafe, taproom, retail space, and a rentable event room. Lane has an affinity for the retail side of the business and Cortese brings experience in the restaurant world, so the new business will combine their passions to create a community-oriented space.
"We're envisioning a place where you can just come hang out for hours," Cortese added. "We're trying to create a third space for the Cortland community."
The store will also feature a kids' corner and event space to cater to families and customers of all ages. Cortese said the event room will also serve as a gallery for some of the artists with studios in the building.
Building owner Peter Muehlbauer, who has been helping Lane and Cortese get the renovations in place and fund the build-out of the restructured space, noted, "It was always my dream to have a coffee shop in here. The bookstore and the event space are going to do really well all together here."
Lane said, "I'm really excited to be my own boss, but I have to say I'm even more excited for the community collaboration. We're really trying to incorporate our love for the community into our spot, with the other bookstores in the area and artists, especially in the building." They plan to host readings, children's story time, guest authors, movie nights, and other events.
Cortese noted that their goal is to be open by late August in time for the return of SUNY Cortland students for the academic year.