A new business called Novel (website, facebook, instagram) is under construction at 643 Congress Street. Business partners Joshua Ames and Nate Donovan are hoping to open their doors by January.
Novel will be a combination cafe and bar “nestled in the ambience of books” where customers can socialize with friends, work and read. Novel will eventually also include an event space where they plan to host local musical talent, book readings and other performances.
Ames and Donovan plan for Novel to “capture the spirit of the growing American trend of Book Bars and to be reminiscent of the classic European Cafe Bar. Come for atmosphere, good company, and great service.”
Novel will be house-roasting their own coffee with beans sourced from Guatemala, and will have a full liquor license serving beer, wine and cocktails. Ames and Donovan are getting help on the development of their menu from Jason and Amy Cote from Cote’s Cafe in One Portland Square.