Brookhaven Welcomes Dog Ear Books: A Dream Realized
Brookhaven, MS – A dream two years in the making culminated Thursday afternoon with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Dog Ear books, a new autonomous bookstore nestled in the heart of Brookhaven. Dana and Jason Matte, the husband-and-wife team behind the venture, celebrated the culmination of their hard work, transforming a vision into a thriving community hub.
the journey began in December 2022, when Dana Matte first shared her ambition to establish a much-needed bookstore in Brookhaven. Recognizing the challenges of supporting a bookstore solely,she cleverly integrated it with their existing Wild Fox Coffee shop,a move that proved to be a winning strategy. “It was a need for Brookhaven, but I knew it couldn’t support itself without the coffee shop,” she explained in an earlier interview.
The Mattes purchased the building at 512 West Monticello Street in April 2022, embarking on a meaningful renovation project. Wild Fox Coffee opened its doors in November 2022, laying the groundwork for the bookstore’s eventual launch in October 2024. “It has been a long ride without a doubt,” Dana admitted, reflecting on the journey. “We are excited to have it open.We have been needing a bookstore for a long time. Jason built the bookshelves and we have spent a lot of nights here. It has been a long haul but we are proud of what we have.”
Jason Matte, a Walmart Distribution Center employee, dedicated countless hours outside of his regular job to crafting custom bookshelves for the store. He meticulously sourced the lumber,cut the notches,and assembled the shelves,with Dana lending a hand whenever her schedule as a nurse practitioner at King’s Daughters Medical Center allowed. Their combined efforts transformed the space into a welcoming haven for book lovers.
The success of Wild Fox Coffee provided a solid foundation for dog ear Books. “Everything has been going well since we first opened two years ago,” Dana shared, noting the bustling drive-thru lane that continues to serve customers their favorite coffee beverages. Inside, the bookstore offers a diverse selection of genres and authors, catering to a wide range of tastes. Customers can even order books not currently in stock,with ingram Content Group in Nashville serving as their supplier. Local photographer Bill Perkins highlighted the store’s meaning, noting that it’s one of the few bookstores in southwest Mississippi.
Jason Matte emphasized their commitment to the community. “We wanted to bring something unique to Brookhaven. We want them to stay home and get the same experience,” he stated. The bookstore’s atmosphere reflects this sentiment, with students and community members alike enjoying the space, sipping coffee, and immersing themselves in the world of books.
Dog Ear Books is more than just a bookstore; it’s a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and the enduring love of reading. It’s a place where dreams are realized and stories come to life.
A Bookstore Cafe: Where Community Blossoms Over Brews
In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, one small business is proving the enduring power of human connection. A unique bookstore cafe is fostering a sense of community, one cup of coffee and one book at a time.
The cafe, nestled in a [Location – replace with a plausible US location, e.g., charming corner of Portland, Oregon], offers more than just caffeine and literature. It’s a haven where people gather, converse, and rediscover the simple joy of shared experiences. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, encouraging patrons to linger over their lattes and browse the shelves.
According to Dana, the owner, the cafe’s success lies in its ability to bring people together. “People come in and get their coffee.They shop for books while waiting,” Dana explained. “It does my heart good to see people spend time with each other.”
This sentiment reflects a growing trend in the United States: a renewed gratitude for community and face-to-face interaction. In an era of social media and remote work, many Americans are seeking out spaces that foster genuine connection. The bookstore cafe provides exactly that – a pleasant surroundings where conversations flow freely and friendships can blossom.
The cafe’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of brick-and-mortar businesses that prioritize community building. It serves as a reminder that even in the digital age, the human need for connection remains strong, and businesses that cater to this need can thrive.
Beyond the immediate community it serves, the bookstore cafe also contributes to the larger cultural landscape. By supporting local authors and fostering a love of reading, it plays a vital role in promoting literacy and intellectual engagement.this aligns with national initiatives aimed at improving literacy rates and encouraging lifelong learning.
The bookstore cafe isn’t just a business; it’s a community hub,a testament to the power of human connection in a rapidly changing world. It’s a place where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee blends seamlessly with the scent of old books, creating an atmosphere that is both comforting and inspiring.
