Terese Spingola purchased the Briar Patch in June. The shop specializes in locally roasted coffee, which Spingola still purchases from the shop’s original owners.
Ryan lely/Sonoma Valley Sun
For Terese Spingola, becoming the new owner of the old Briar Patch is a dream come true. As an employee at the original Bagel Shop years ago, she was intrigued by the way the little shop just off the square brought so many different people together. It was then that she got her vision of what she wanted to do someday – create a space where people could congregate, have conversation and meet people they might not otherwise have the opportunity to know. So in June when a chance arose to purchase the long established coffee and tobacco shop, Spingola jumped on it. Already a popular gathering spot where strangers become friends, the corner shop down the plaza alleyway was exactly what she had in mind.
Often referred to locally as Jeanine’s, the Briar Patch is an old, comfortable-feeling place where customers feel at home. The smell of coffee mixed with grandpa’s favorite pipe tobacco is reminiscent of a men-only smoking parlor, but the merchandise – bold yet feminine jewelry and the beautiful cloisonné ash trays in the window – rounds out the picture: this is a place for everyone. At the Briar Patch, regular customers “touch base” at least once a day, either just to check in with friends for a few minutes or to sit and socialize at the outdoor café tables for an entire afternoon. A bookshelf near the entrance invites friends to pick up a book and stay a while. The place is rarely empty.
“I love the customers, especially the regulars,” said Spingola. “This place wouldn’t be what it is without the people who come here.”
Specializing in locally roasted coffee (which is still purchased from original Briar Patch owners Bruce and Jeanine Masonek), the tiny shop also offers an extensive selection of tobacco – cigarettes, specialty pipe tobacco and an expanding selection of fine cigars – as well as smoking accessories. A wide variety of loose teas, teapots and coffee accessories are also available.
Prior to purchasing her little slice of heaven, Spingola spent 11 years delivering newspapers for several different publications, including the Sonoma Valley Sun. An experienced jewelry designer, she for worked many years for local jewelry manufacturers C & R Designs. Having her own business means working seven days a week, Spingola said, and the support of her family and boyfriend Dustin Smart while learning the tricks of running a business has been invaluable. “It’s a lot of work, but I’m living my dream.”
The Briar Patch is open Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday noon at 464 First St. E., 707.996.7573.
