LaVelle’s brings something new to town

Last Friday night, Lavelle’s Coffee Shop, located on Kearney Street, just across from the library, held an open house to introduce a new gathering place – a quaint coffee shop and bistro-style eating establishment – where folks can come together for a great meal and a wonderful cup of coffee (with tea and other drinks for the non-coffee drinkers), in a warm, comfortable environment.

Michelle Hall, the proprietor, has always wanted to be of service to others. She came by this virtue mainly by helping her mother, Rose Smith, a natural entrepreneur of many successful businesses. As a young girl Michelle spent hours working for her mother, polishing her entrepreneur skills, and developing the burning desire to be of service to others. Michelle is continuing a long held family tradition of serving others.

One of her primary reasons for opening LaVelle’s Coffee Shop was to provide a pleasant meeting place for the folks of Clarendon, offering a great atmosphere, excellent food, superior coffee, and exemplary service. She envisioned a warm place for people to meet over good coffee, good food, and good conversation. She has done that. She has created a unique dining experience for folks in Clarendon.

The name “LaVelle’s” comes from a long-established family tradition, dating back to her family’s origins in the old country of Germany. According to Michelle, the name “LaVelle” was taken as part of the name of the first-born in each new generation of the family. Michelle wanted to honor her family and pay homage to those who have gone before.

Michelle’s vision for LaVelle’s is to provide a place where folks of all ages can get together for good wholesome, family style fun and food. She wants to do something special for the people of Clarendon, and designed the concept of LaVelle’s to meet a community need that has been unmet, a place where we can come together to socialize, enjoy good food and beverages, while enjoying various activities.

LaVelle’s has a pool table that can be rented for $5 an hour. Additionally, she has many books available for reading while enjoying your coffee, along with a wide-ranging menu of breakfast and lunch dishes, including creative sandwiches, soups, and kids’ meals. There is also space available for playing games like chess, penté, and whatever board games we choose to bring along with us.

LaVelle’s Coffee Shop, a little hole in the wall place, is managed by Becky Rattan, and staffed by an energetic, well-trained group of mostly young people, each sporting bright smiles and warm dispositions.

At Friday’s sneak peak, a surprisingly large number of people (well over a hundred) gathered for a sampling of the fare offered. Alyss Simpson’s favorite menu items were the turkey and bacon sandwich and the great cup of soup. Her 10-year-old sister, Malerie Simpson, preferred the soup and chips. Actually, the entire Simpson family, including my new neighbor and long-time friend Helen, seemed to enjoy the food in a warm and relaxed environment. Samantha Wright, a precocious eight-year-old, and horse lover (she has three – Cabbage, Cisco, and Boo) waxed poetic while outfitted in her Clarendon Enterprise tee-ball tee shirt, saying that she thinks that LaVelle’s is very pretty and looks like a good place to eat.

The home-made bread pudding was a huge favorite with everyone who tried it. Other tasty pastries are available for those with a sweet tooth. All items are priced very reasonably.

Seriously, LaVelle’s Coffee Shop has a delicious menu. Michelle and her staff have done a wonderful job of creating a place where we can gather to enjoy each other’s company, good food, and good beverages.

Give LaVelle’s Coffee Shop a visit. Who knows, we may end up in a chess match or penté match while enjoying excellent fare.