The Book Club hopes to bring community connection to the heart of Mission
Photo by Sara Maloney
Book clubs, junk journal meet-ups, singles events, and trinket swaps are coming soon to Misson’s new bookstore, coffee shop, and lunch spot set to launch a soft opening, this Saturday, Sept. 27.
The Book Club, located at 5735 Johnson Dr., is a new business venture for Kimberly and Matthew Hoppock, who wanted more opportunities for people to find community and bond over shared interests.
The Hoppocks also own Truly Madly Depot, a unique gift and art shop only a couple of doors down from The Book Club. The new store matches the eclectic, whimsical vibe of Truly Madly Depot, and has been specifically made to fit what Mission needs, Kimberly says.
“It’s going to be a space for food, for conversation, for reading. It’s a space for community and a space to hopefully make friends for people,” she says. “People are craving community spaces, craving things to do. This is a vibrant area of town, lots of young people in their 20s.”
Upon walking into The Book Club, the atmosphere transports you to a cozy, but colorful experience—The menu is written on a vintage chalkboard, a mural on the wall illustrates someone with a book as a backpack with colorful stars pouring out of it, shelves and cases full of books, and bright colored chairs fill the space. The owners themselves also bring a warm and inviting touch to the environment.
Matthew and Kimberly opened Truly Madly Depot about a year and a half ago, selling stationery, art, decor, and any other eclectic gifts from all over the world.
Kimberly says she’s met hundreds of people while running the gift shop, and always wished she could connect with each of them on a more personal level. The Book Club will help facilitate connection among community members, something that is sorely needed, she says.
As soon as the couple heard that Paulie D’s Pizza—which previously filled the space—was closing, they decided to jump on the location. At the time, they were still deciding what they would do with the space, but they knew it needed to be focused on community, Matthew says.
Photo by Sara Maloney
Considering Matthew is a full-time immigration attorney, it has taken longer than expected to get the shop up to snuff, and the renovation process was extensive as they wanted to “DIY” as much as possible.
The Book Club will have new and used books for sale, but will also be a place to hang out and eat lunch, drink coffee, and get to know other people with a wide variety of after-hours events. Both shops are a culmination of things they love: Japanese stationary, letterpress printing, craft coffee, design, and reading.
The Hoppocks are self-proclaimed Mission townies and advocate bringing more people to one of Kansas City’s hidden gem neighborhoods.
Mission City Administrator Laura Smith says the addition of new and unique businesses to the area echoes what other cities are trying to achieve by creating a traditional downtown feel.
“It’s something unique. It’s something that will bring people down, will bring people back,” Smith says.
Although there has been some turnover and vacancy along the stretch of Johnson Drive between Lamar and Nall, she says the city is grateful for the stretch of storefronts and on-street parking. Making the street more lively has been a long-term goal, with the city adding wider sidewalks to allow businesses to put tables and chairs out and engage with the community.
Photo by Sara Maloney
Leaning on Matthew’s background as a barista and baker, homemade pastries and top-notch caffeine are part of the book club’s plan. They will rotate single-source coffee beans and do a monthly cupping to evaluate the best coffee available, with the hope that they will one day expand the operation and roast their own beans in a different facility in Mission.
Paninis made with homemade focaccia, cinnamon rolls, muffins, and cookies will make up the menu, along with chicken salad, hummus plates, and other variable daily specials. The couple also seeks to serve wine in the near future alongside the commodities.
Adding The Book Club next door to Truly Madly Depot felt like the natural step to bring growth to the neighborhood they love so much, the Hoppocks say.
“It’s a very accepting, loving area. It feels very safe. It’s very walkable,” Kimberly says. “We want to add to the ambience of this area, give people more options for lunch, for their coffee, but also for community.”
They plan on opening the front doors to the public on Saturday, Sept. 27. For more updates, check The Book Club’s social media pages.
