Sunday, December 27, 2009

Free pastries today 12/27 only!

Sunday pastry special for our online followers only! Today only, Sunday 12/27, purchase any coffee drink, and get a free pastry of your choice. Choose from scones, pretzels, twists, muffins, bagels, and more. Just mention you read about it on our blog and its on us!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Get up to $20 in store credit for an old bookshelf!

We need bookshelves.

You need your daily caffeine fix.

This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship...
or at the very least, a you-scratch-my-back-I'll-scratch-yours scenario.

At the moment we're a 'coffee shop that also has used books'. We want to be a 'used bookstore that also has a coffee shop', and have all the books to be just that, but we're desperately short on shelves. We can't afford to go out and buy a whole lot of new shelves to fill our space, and besides, we like the mismatched shelf look we've got goin' on, so prefer our shelves used.

See what I mean. Cosy, right!

So, we have a proposition for anyone out there with a bookshelf at home that's in the way, collecting dust, and not really of much use.

Bring in a bookshelf in exchange for
$20 in store credit at Read, Write & Brew!


Yes, we have heard of the saying, 'Beggers can't be choosers',
but we do have some criteria attached to what we'll accept.

In order to get the full $20 store credit, shelves must be:

- wood (any kind), or if they're not wooden, a faux 'wood look' is fine. Painted, metal our colorful plastic shelves just don't gel with the 'vibe' we're trying to create.
- around 6 foot tall (give or take a little)
- sturdy enough for us not to have to worry about it toppling on any of our customers as they browse
- in at least 'fair' condition. We have no problem accepting shelves with scratches and dings in them, but please don't bring us anything that looks like it's had a severe beating.
- we'll also accept shelves less than 6' tall, and do have uses for shelves around waist height. We'll offer you $10 store credit for these kinds of shelves.

If you're wondering about a shelf in your home, but don't know if it's what we're after, come in and talk to us or take some photo's of it, describe it a little, and send us an email - and we can let you know whether it's worth your while bringing it in. Our email address is read.write.brew@gmail.com.

You can spend your store credit all at once, or spread it out over multiple visits. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Shop local this Christmas at Read, Write & Brew

Wanting to buy your friends and family gifts they can actually use this Christmas, and not sit on a shelf somewhere collecting dust? Well, if you come into Read, Write & Brew, you'll find lots and lots of great Christmas gift ideas that are fun, use-able, and best of all they're all made in Colorado, so you'll be keeping your money within the community you live.

From original one of a kind hand made Christmas cards with embelishments (for the same price as a machine printed card elsewhere)...

snow globe Christmas card with real moving 'beads' of snow, which doubles as a gift card holder

card that holds a packet of cocoa mix

... to bookmarks and journals and candles...


... knitted cup and teapot cosies

... and green sleeves...
... to hand made soap (all natural ingredients and oils - and smell heavenly)...
... and natural hand made lotions and bath gels.


With so many options - local, natural and hand made - you can do all your Christmas stocking shopping in the time it takes us to make you an eggnog latte!



EXTENDED SATURDAY OPENING HOURS!


Just an added note: Read, Write & Brew is now open 6am till 6pm on Saturdays! So now our opening hours are the same from Monday to Saturday.

And don't forget - rain, hail or snow - we're here Sundays from 8am till 2pm.

See ya soon!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Open Thanksgiving!

Family driving you crazy? Need your coffee fix? Just need to get out of the house and nothing else is open?? Come on down to RWB, we will be open Thanksgiving Day from 8am-2pm. Get a pumpkin spice latte before the tryptophan puts you to sleep on the sofa watching the Lions lose their annual Turkey-Day game!

Monday, November 23, 2009

NEW! Fresh, local Golden baked pastries.

We just got our first delivery this morning of crumble in your mouth, flaky, gooey, oh so delicious pastries. We're so happy with them, we couldn't wait to write this blog post to tell you all about them.

Let us introduce you to our newest members to the Read, Write & Brew family, shall we...

... say hello to caramel apple, raspberry crumble and honey almond bars.
Dense, yet not too rich, they're the perfect accompaniment to any latte when you want a little something extra on the side to satisfy that sweet tooth, for just $2.10 each.


In the mood for a cup-a-tea and a scone perhaps? Well, choose between English with currants, cranberry orange, lemon poppy seed, pumpkin pecan, and choc chip scones - all for only $2.60 each (and the size of your hand!).


And if you're in the mood for something sweet and super flaky - look no further than our pastry sticks. Choose between the almond pretzel, cinnamon pecan stick, or cherry twist - just $3.00 each for a delectable treat.

We're trying to keep it local here at 'Read, Write & Brew', by ordering all our supplies from local Coloradorans as much as we possibly can. But, when it comes to the supplier we have chosen for our pastries - well it don't get much more local than Golden. They're literally just down the road (I could ride my bike to their kitchen from the store and be there in 10 minutes - and I'm really unfit and pregnant), all their goods are baked fresh every day in Golden, and only wholesome good quality ingredients are used. You won't find any high fructose corn syrup or other such ingredients in these. They're the real deal (good enough that Whole Foods is also one of their customers, as a matter of fact).

If you'd like to order in bulk for your next function, give us two days notice (if you can, one day is OK though), and we'll be sure to order them in, same day baked, for you to pick up and wow your guests with.

Try one and post a comment about what you think....

Sunday, November 22, 2009

New weekend opening hours

So, now that we have been opened for a month (already!) we have discovered when you guys like to shop our store. Ya'll love coming in on Saturday mornings, and tend to visit less frequently on Sundays - so in response, we have decided to shift our Saturday hours, and cut back on Sundays.

On Saturdays we're now open from 6am until 2pm, and Sundays 8am until 2pm.

Thanks for a great first month everyone. Keep spreading the word of mouth for us, and come back an visit us again soon!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Come see the creation of the mural we're having painted at Read, Write & Brew

Talented tattoo artist and friend of ours, Wayne, is currently in action painting up a mural on the bare strip of ceiling above the Read, Write & Brew counter.

The theme is 'A Timeline of the Written Word', in keeping with the 'read' and 'write' in 'Read, Write & Brew'. We'll incorporate the drinking of coffee in the timeline also - and yes, our favorite dudes the kokopelli's are featured prominently in the piece as well (just for a bit of fun).

Here's a sneak peek of his awesome work so far, but to see more - you gotta come into the store. Looks so much better in real life. If you like Wayne's style, maybe also ask him about that tattoo you've been thinking of getting done while you're in? Even if you don't want a tattoo, ask him about one anyway. He has a really cool Irish accent, so you'll probably just want to hear him talk a lot and that's as good a topic as any.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

NEW to Read, Write & Brew - Breggos!

Breggo's are a cross between a sandwich and a calzone. They're delicious, hand made in Lyons Colorado, and now available for your munching pleasure at Read, Write & Brew!

At $4.75, they're a great value breakfast or lunch option (and quite filling too).

Choose from:


Ham Breggo

Scrambled eggs, ham, potatoes, cheddar and colby cheese.




Veggie Breggo

Fresh spinach, diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheddar and colby cheese.



Spicy Sausage

Spicy Italian sausage, scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheddar and colby cheese.



The Southwest Breggo
(our fave)
Spicy green chiles, corn, black beans, scrambled eggs, cheddar and colby cheese.



Customers who have tried them so far LOVE them, and we're the only place you can get them in Golden! Great to eat in, or take out (and so easy to eat out of a bag if you're on the go and don't have time for a sit down breakfast or lunch).

Next time you're in - you've got to try one!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

New artwork in-store by talented Colorado artist!

If you haven't been in the store for the past few days, you haven't yet seen the new artwork we have just gotten in. The first of many talented artists to be featured on our walls.

They're produced by a talented artist who lives in Manitou Springs Colorado, Liese (Martin) Chavez. Her illustrations are hand drawn with ink and other media like watercolor, acrylic and colored pencil onto vintage paper with various poems and excerpts from foreign literature printed onto it. Her illustrations are done with a free hand - no pencil sketches beforehand.


We've put the artwork up for your viewing pleasure, or for purchase to decorate the walls in your own home, or that of a friends perhaps. What a great one-of-a-kind Christmas gift to give this season.

We have a selection of original artworks (not prints) to choose from, selling at $22 each. They're mounted on black card stock measuring 8x10 inches and are suitable for framing. The framed pictures on the walls of the store are also available for purchase, at $32 each.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Halloween Costume Contest Winner!!

Congratulations Zack Miller! You're Read, Write & Brew's Halloween Costume Contest winner. Zack came to visit us as a Jedi from Star Wars in a costume that his grandma made for him. Well done Zack, and grandma!


Zack, next time you're in, don't forget to claim your $5 prize in kids books!

Feeling exhausted after Halloween, and need some motivation to get geared up for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year? Well, don't forget, Katie's Coaching Corner begins tomorrow night at 7pm. Cost is only $1. We'll stay open later for the duration of the coaching session. Don't forget to contact us or Katie to confirm if you're going to attend. For more details, please see our calendar of events.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Bring your kids in, for trick-or-treatin'

As if you didn't already know, Halloween is this Saturday!
As you plan your 'trick or treat' rout, make sure you schedule in a stop
at Read, Write & Brew.
There'll be lots of activities for the kids, all taking place between 3pm and 6pm, including...



Halloween Reading Time!
All kids in attendance during one of our reading times will get a special 'buy one get one' coupon to spend at the store the next time they visit.





Costume Competition!
We'll have candy for all kids that visit us in costume. AND (with mom or dad's OK) they'll get their in-costume photo featured on this blog site. You can send the link to all your friends and family, and your little monster can have their little 15minutes of fame! Also, the best costume of the day will win a $5 store coupon to spend on kids books in-store* (hint, hint.. if you really want to win, your best chance is to wear a home made costume).



Trunk-or-Treat!
You won't want to miss the shenanigans that'll be going on across the car park at the Taekwondo studio. There'll be lots of activities going on there, including a Trunk-or-Treat event where parents will be decorating the trunks of their cars for kids to peek into (and get even more candy from).






Coloring Competition!

All completed entries will be displayed in the store, with the winning entry receiving a $5 store coupon to spend on kids books in-store.*









So come to Read, Write & Brew on Halloween, and have a scream of a time!

*Winners will be announced on-line and will have their costume photo/coloring page featured on the blog site from November 1st.

Tiz the season, for scary readin'

Halloween is our all-time favorite time of year... well, it's a close contender with Thanksgiving. Who doesn't love the excuse of cooking, eating as much as you want, and watching football all day, with no one to tell you that you should be doing any different.

Anyway, back to Halloween!

So weird. Get this, right... yesterday morning, we go to open the shop, and find that all these huge spiders came in (must have been after we locked up the night before), and just made spider web mess all over the place.

And if that wasn't enough, these skeletons just waltzed on in, must've thought we make a pretty cool hang out, and decided to just stick around and make themselves at home.

If these skeletons belong to anyone's closet, can you please come claim them back. They're taking up valuable sitting space for our alive customers, like Wayde and Chris, who stopped by to surf the web for a while...

I'm sure Monty and friend didn't appreciate being stared at as they drank their coffee and browsed some books.


We've got some events planned especially for the little 'uns on Halloween, so check back for details - either here or on our website, readwritebrew.com.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Katie's Coaching Circle


Katie Smith will be hosting a new monthly meet up group at Read, Write and Brew starting Tuesday November 3rd at 7.30pm (yes, we'll be open an extra hour for anyone wanting to also shop our store on these nights).

This will be the first in a series of gatherings Katie will be leading on various topics related to living a more relaxed life and one focused on creating what you REALLY want.

The evening will consist of a short discussion on a particular topic and then mini coaching sessions for individuals interested in moving forward in their lives.

If you're interested in creating the future you desire, this group is for you. Maybe it's a project you've had on the back burner, or wanting to learn to live from a place of joy and acceptance vs. struggle and stress, or maybe you're in the midst of a career change. If so, this is the group that can help create positive movement forward in your life.

When: Tuesday, November 3rd
Cost: $1
Time: 7.00pm - 8.30pm

To register for this event go to
meetup.com (The Coaching Corner), or
email Katie@katiebsmith.com.


Who is Katie Smith?
Katie is a local Golden resident, who is a member of the International Coach Federation.

"For over 15 years, I have consulted and facilitated the growth of executive teams. Consulting with industry leaders and professionals seeking Director to C-level roles in privately held organizations.

My hands-on approach is direct, open and thought-provoking; I build relationships built on accountability and trust.

As a member of the International Coach Federation and a graduate of Coach University, additionally, I have been teaching yoga and meditation for 15 years. I use these tools, as appropriate, with my clients to manage stress and live a more balanced happy life."

To find out more about Katie, go to www.katiebsmith.com

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Free tickets to Rusted Root at the Fox Theater tonight!

Free tix to Rusted Root at the Fox Theater tonight!
We have 2 free tickets to see Rusted Root at the Fox in Boulder tonight for the first person to come in the store and ask for them. Rusted Root is a GREAT band to see live, and free is even greater. Come and get them!

Click here to watch the video for Send Me On My Way (awesome song!)


Saturday, October 17, 2009

Come meet Marcia Claxton, Tuesday October 20th



Marcia Claxton who is running for Golden City Council Ward 1 will be at Read, Write & Brew this Tuesday for a meet and greet.
We'll be staying open an extra hour, so come on down between the hours of 5.30pm and 7pm.
To find out more about Marcia and where she stands on the issues facing Golden right now, visit http://www.marciaclaxton.com/index.html

Friday, October 16, 2009

Wow, what a day! Thanks everyone!!

What a surprise! We planned on a very quiet opening since there are still so many loose ends we feel we need to tie together before we can consider having a 'Grand Opening', and didn't expect AT ALL the turn out we got today. Seeing as the only form of advertising we put out there was our Blog and Web site, and the fancy shoe polish writing on the windows for any passer bye's... whoah! We did NOT expect so many people to stop by to say hi, and give us a word of encouragement, and tell us how much they have been looking forward to our opening. We want to say a special thank you to all of you who stopped in today. Your kind words were really appreciated. It was also so much fun chatting to you all, and getting to know you a little.

We hope you enjoyed the free coffee today. Your feedback was extremely valuable. Now we really feel like we get a sense of what you guys are looking for in a great cup o' brew from us. We aim to keep serving up quality drinks for you to enjoy as you relax in our home away from home, and watch it transform over the next few months.

Read, Write and Brew is now officially open for business. Thank you for giving us such a warm welcome to the neighborhood today. We hope in return that we can provide you with a warm and cozy place to hang out in the years to come.

Monday, October 12, 2009

OPENING FRIDAY!!!

It's official.
It's final.
No more delays (finally).
We're opening this Friday!!!!!

The final 'vision' for our store is still a ways off, as we still need many bookshelves to be able to stock our supply of books on, and we still have a few additions to the counter area to take care of... so we're still a work in progress, but hey, at least we'll be OPEN! You'll still be able to come in and enjoy our cafe items, purchase books, and surf the net for free. You'll be able to watch us grow and realize our final vision for the store everytime you come in, because there'll always be something new, different or upgraded as the months progress.

Hope you're as excited as we are.

See ya Friday!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Desperately Seeking Bookshelves!

We're hoping to open Read, Write & Brew on Tuesday. All we're waiting on before we can do so is our Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Golden.

That being said, we're DESPERATELY seeking bookshelves. Any size, any style, as long as they're wood, or wooden-loo...king (no metal ones). We have about 25x more books than we do shelf space to put them on.

So, if you have a dusty old unused bookshelf in your basement, or if you're driving down the street and see a free one by the side of the curb, we can use it. PLEASE let us know if you can help us out! You KNOW there is free coffee in it for you! With the recent snow, a pumpkin spice latte sure would taste delish now wouldn't it?

Give us a call or just pop your head in if you see us fiddling around in the store, and we can work out all the details with you.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

We're nearly there folks!

Thanks for checking in on us!

We've been flat out working on getting the store ready for the final inspections that need to be passed by the City of Golden before we officially have the permission to open and start selling coffee and books to you guys.

So the question of the day (and the question we get asked by everyone that stops by these days) is, "When are you guys opening?" Well, we had to take the countdown clock off the man web page because at this point we're so close, but can't predict the outcome of the inspections and fix ups that need to happen before we're given permission, so can't give you an actual date. BUT, we can say that we'll be open in less than a week from today!

Wanna sneak peek?

Here is the front counter so far, built for us by Turner Woodworks, (or as I like to call him, 'Andy the Handyman').

All is complete except for the food display case, which is currently being worked on and custom built for us. It'll be installed as soon as it's done, but the installation of it isn't holding up our opening date.


Our final inspection is tomorrow, so we're just making sure all the little odd jobs get done so that we can get the all clear for opening. By little odd jobs, I mean like mixing little bits of tiling grout in Pepsi cups for the last couple of tiles that need to be put in place that couldn't be done before the counters were put in.

I had to include that pic. I've never seen anyone mix grout in a Pepsi cup before, and thought it looked quite hilarious at the time. But if it's all you need, it's all you need, right? Waste not want not.

Everyone keep your fingers crossed for us please! If we get the all clear from the building inspector tomorrow, we'll be able to give you a opening date. We'll just need a few days to move all our stuff in, get everything set up and working, and make it look nice and purdy for ya'll.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

OK. I know that we keep saying it.
And our store windows keep saying it...

... but now that our floors are stained and sealed, we are now one-down-one-to-go (obstacles to opening wise) away from being ready to open for business.

Here's a close up of the stained concrete effect... what do you think?


Pretty snazzy, huh! We absolutely LOVE the floors, and can't believe how good they turned out. Mike and the guys at Summit Decorative Concrete (a Golden owned business) stained the floors over and above our expectations. We're so happy with their work, we figured they're worth a special mention on this blog post.
So here is the semi finished total store product.

The finishing work on our counters is happening as you read this (care of Andy the handy man), and will be ready for installation within the next week or so. Today we're working out the details on one FINAL obstacle, and once that's all sorted out, we'll be moving in, cleaning up, and hanging the neon 'open' sign in the front window.

Can I breath a sigh of relief yet?
Well, no. Not just yet.
You'll know when I do.
I'm sure you'll feel the ripple effect of a breeze flow out from 720 Golden Ridge Road.


Tuesday, September 8, 2009

SORRY!

I know, I know - we're doing it again - but welcome to our world!

Delays, delays, delays.

For those of you who've been watching the countdown clock on our website, you may have noticed today that we've suspend our store opening, again.

The hurdles we're jumping keep flying at us, and although we're clearing them, they're slowing our pace down quite a bit.

BUT! We're SURE this time that this is the LAST postponement.
We promise. With cherry's and chocolate sprinkles and freshly whipped organic cream on top (now how's that for a promise, hey!).

Next to be accomplished; getting the floors stained and polished, letting them dry out, no walkie-walkies while this part happens (hence the extra delay that we didn't account for), then moving in, cleaning up, stocking up, and opening doors for business.

Still lots to do, but the floors are the last bit of 'construction' work that needs doing.

Keep checking back for more updates! We'll be sure to keep 'em comin'!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Big News!

Howdy Folks! Thanks for checking in on our progress.
Julie's very good friend Connie stopped in to help us out yesterday. Her and Julie got the bathrooms painted, and they are now pretty much ready go, tho we still need to get doors on them.


The last few outstanding plumbing jobs should be completed next week, and our counters should be finished by the end of next week as well. We need a few more days to do the floors, and after that we can start setting up shop and getting ready to open! We have a lot of stuff to move in and set up, as well as get supplies from our Vendors, but that should go smoothly as well.
In light of all the progress being made, and how close things are to completion, we are going to go ahead and set September 15th as our tentative opening date.
Can you believe it? It seems like it has been ages since we began this endeavour, and its about to come to fruition.
Please stop in and see us on the 15th!
Read, Write & Brew
720 Golden Ridge Rd, Unit D
Beautiful Golden, CO
We are on the SE corner of Heritage and 6th Ave, behind the Mutual of Omaha bank.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Aug 23 update

Lots more happening in the last few days.

First of all, I wanted to say Thanks to Anna, a fellow neighbor in Golden--Anna dropped off a ton of books to us the other day, which we can certainly use. Thank You Anna! Make sure to stop in when we open so I can buy you a coffee.

Bathrooms are tiled, and floor cove is in. Just waiting on the sinks and toilets:


The electricians were in on Friday and wired our counters for outlets and data....

......and got the lights up and running! Now we can finally stay late at night to continue setting up, instead of having to give up every night when the sun goes down.






Hopefully the plumbing (sinks, hot water, toilets, etc..) get put in early next week. Once that is done we can move on to acid-staining the floors, which is the last "construction" item on our list before we can start setting up appliances, furniture, decorations, etc.