A New Bestseller

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Books and Brews

a New Best Seller in Downtown Seguin

Story by Grim Gilbreath | photos by Victoria Gaytan

Stepping through the door of Tess Coody-Anders’ bookstore and bar is eerily reminiscent of cracking open a good book, with every step feeling like the turning of a page and each exquisitely-eclectic room suggesting the sensation of starting an exciting new chapter. This home to intellect, intrigue, and inspiration has spared no detail or desire, as it offers a refuge for Seguin’s bookworms. The quaint yet breathtaking store immediately instills a sense of peace and comfort, paired with an impressive selection of written works, scrumptious treats, and carefully selected beverages.

The bar boasts an exquisite and extensive selection of wines and craft beers from Seguin and surrounding areas. The lounge area is perfect for lighthearted conversations, philosophical debates, a game of scrabble with friends, or just a quiet corner to enjoy a locally published-magazine.

After only a few minutes in the company of Coody-Anders, her love and passion for the written word are abundantly clear as she thoughtfully showcases all the features and amenities of her bewitching bookstore and serene saloon. Coody-Anders and her husband Heath Anders have certainly let their local love shine brightly as Tess is a Seguin high school alumna and Heath is a Seguin native. Their local pride have roots spreading all over downtown and beyond. As their dream of starting a local haven for the movers and shakers, deep thinkers, and readers of Seguin has finally come to fruition, they have turned their “one day we would love to” into a “today we finally have.”

“I love my Seguin and I really love my downtown,” Tess said. “I’m committed to it, and this is going to be a great way to meet new people and get to know people you may not have even known have a shared love of books.”

Their affection for the area shows in the bookstore clearly. Except for the books themselves, every inch of the building has been stitched together using other local small businesses and resources, using the community itself to raise this testament to tranquility. As Tess said, “We are doing everything we can to create these concentric circles of connections with small businesses.” Their commitment is evident in every nook and cranny of this wonderland of written work, from the locally-sourced brews and unique décor to the locals themselves. After delaying their initial plans during the pandemic, they used that time to better prepare for a running start to join the ranks of other small businesses in the area.

This establishment of literature and libations not only offers an impressive collection of books and brews, but also an equally remarkable staff, including a very knowledgeable chef, a skilled and seasoned bar manager, and astute and attentive proprietors. The only thing more exciting than this new addition to downtown Seguin is the plans it has for the future in the form of events and functions, including but not limited to book signings, book club meetings, and local thespians reading to children every other week. The shop also has future plans to be a venue for local musicians, aspiring authors, and poets to express themselves in a safe and nurturing environment. Tess and her husband hope to cultivate a melting pot of likeminded people to converge together and converse about their shared love of books or to exchange their personal philosophies and ideas.

Whether it’s Oscar Wilde and wine, Ray Bradbury and a beer, or just Doctor Suess and a sandwich, this splendid sanctuary for the senses can be enjoyed by all ages. As this new release is added to the shelves of Seguin’s downtown, there is no doubt it will be a beloved classic – the kind that can be revisited time and again with old and new friends while enjoying a refreshing beverage and a good book as the worries of the world fade away.