Call it coincidence or fate, but when Kristin Radcliffe and Mary Tveit met a few years ago through their teenage sons and began regular walks through Decatur neighborhoods, they discovered similar interests in coffee, wine, good food, and community. The friends began conceptualizing a space to connect the Decatur community in a new way. Thus, the dream of The Reading Room was born. Soon after, Kristin discovered the location where this shop could come to life. Both women bring entrepreneurial backgrounds to the creation of this gathering place. Mary notes, “Kristin can use a drill; I can use social media.” Combining their skill sets, the women worked tirelessly for two years designing, partnering, and creating the space. On February 26, 2024, their dream came to life, and the doors of The Reading Room opened to the community.
Cross the threshold of this beautiful shop, and you will immediately be drawn to the intention of the design. Much of the shop’s inspiration came from a love of handcrafted design. Kristin partnered with a manufacturer in Bali to hand-make many of the furniture pieces and lighting. Atlanta muralist, Brittney Gabey, poured her talent into the entry art on the street in front of the shop. The passion for intentional connection rings true through the design of The Reading Room. The cocktail menu draws from Kristin’s years of hosting dinner parties and creating her own recipes. The soft pinks throughout the shop are a nod to partnership with women-owned businesses. From the coffee to the wine selection, Kristin and Mary are committed to uplifting other female-owned organizations and working towards a more equitable workforce. Their outstanding coffee comes from women-owned, fair-trade Little Waves Coffee Roasters in Durham, NC, and their syrups from women-owned Transcendence Coffee in Brooklyn. Order a “Sunrise”, an off-the-menu coffee, and experience a creative fusion of coffee with Gulab Jamun - an Indian, dessert-inspired syrup.
Their desire is to see The Reading Room become a place where neighbors can connect across tables. Kristin shared, “My language of love is to feed people and create an experience.” Their partnership is an ideal example of what they hope this space will bring to the community. The shop’s name evokes a certain expectation for an intentional experience, a gathering place. The invitation to come and stay awhile pours out from the shareable plates, quality coffee, cocktails, and delicious pastries from St. Germain. They hope to connect with their regulars and be included in the lives of their patrons
“We wanted to create a beautiful space that is comforting and welcoming; a space where neighbors can connect across tables.”
- Kristin Radcliffe and Mary Tveit, Owners of The Reading Room
