People who visit coffeehouses regularly are likely to meet others engaged in the same routine. Over time, they feel at ease in the space and develop a sense of attachment. The coffee house becomes a “third space” where people meet and engage in conversation and friendship. The West End Coffee House, also known as WECH, is Rainelle’s latest and buzziest addition. BONUS: They have a Customer Loyalty Point Program where regulars are rewarded with a Freebie for every 6 points earned! Each purchase = 1 point. Some of these regulars have already become the “can you watch my stuff while I go to the bathroom?” guy, the “first daters,” the “house planners,” the “camping out and working on the Wi-Fi” girl, the after school “here for a frappe with whip” kids, and the timeless regular cup of coffee regulars who consistently stop in at the same time every weekday.

Some of these regulars have already become the “can you watch my stuff while I go to the bathroom?” guy…

This space features a modern barista area with textured walls that comprise locally sourced logs, rustic tile, enlarged historical photos, and beans ingrained into the countertop minus the epoxy so you can feel the beans.

This space features a modern barista area with textured walls that comprise locally sourced logs, rustic tile, enlarged historical photos, and beans ingrained into the countertop minus the epoxy so you can feel the beans. The sitting area is comfortable and intimate with accented lighting, rustic walls, coffee bags set into the ceiling, and a stage against the back wall that has a professional sound system. Work café has truly evolved over the years and the WECH is also a meeting space hybrid. Their private Meeting Room can host up to 8 comfortably and has amenities like Wi-Fi, audiovisual systems, a range of catering options from the coffee bar to breakfast pastry trays.

WECH is working in partnership with Fruits of Labor Café and Bakery…

This main street spot specializes in not just excellent brews, but also baked goods and an instagram worthy Signature French Toast Muffin, which has the perfect combination of crunchiness and sweetness. It’s served warm with melted butter, sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon, and comes with a side of West Virginia Maple Syrup. The Pepperoni Rolls are a highlight as well. The roasts are truly stellar and the flavored lattes are well-crafted without going too heavy on the sugar. WECH is working in partnership with Fruits of Labor Café and Bakery whose phenomenal team is roasting all the coffee beans and preparing the baked goods.

The whipped cream is made on-site making its texture and freshness amazing, and letting the natural flavors of your blends to shine through.

There’s dark roast, medium roast, and decaf. Every once in a while, they carry a specialty blend. Frappe’s come in a variety of flavors, and some are a bit unique including Reese’s Cup, Fruity Pebbles, Cookies & Cream, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Strawberry Shortcake, Red Velvet, Matcha/Green Tea, and Pumpkin Pie. There’s also Iced Lattes, Iced Coffee, Lattes and Cappuccino, Chai Tea Lattes, and Fruit Smoothies. WECH is serious when it comes to quality and uses excellent base ingredients. Everything that Ghirardelli offers for café blends is used by this coffee house. The whipped cream is made on-site making its texture and freshness amazing, and letting the natural flavors of your blends to shine through.

Good eats include Blueberry Muffins, Glazed Donuts, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Espresso Brownies, Pepperoni Rolls, and Everything Bagels with butter or plain cream cheese.

Check out Open Mic Night every Thursday at 7pm.

Check out Open Mic Night every Thursday at 7pm. They welcome poets, musicians, theatre artists, singers, you name it. And most importantly, sing what makes you happy! The audience is appreciative and supportive making this an incredibly safe space to try new things. There is no cover and kids are welcome. Soon, they will have more weekly events including a Kids’ Night on Monday, Canvas & Coffee every Tuesday, History & Coffee on Wednesday, live music on the weekends, and Family Movie Night on Sundays.   

Since opening in early April, WECH has been in very high demand from both locals and visitors. Owner, Mike Rogers, tells us he’s already had to double his weekly food and coffee bean orders with Fruits of Labor. He’s also had to increase Frappe base mixes, flavoring syrups, and sauces. He says that he never expected to increase production so soon and has already set up a second commercial blender! Mike’s future plans for WECH are to construct an outdoor Courtyard Café with a large stage, fire pit, and overhead trellis with cafe lighting.

There are many reasons for visiting coffee houses…

There are many reasons for visiting coffee houses besides grabbing a café and you’ll find that the West End Coffee House is a welcoming haven for lovingly pulled espresso, a friendly staff, and fresh baked goods. To learn more, stop in! They are located at 393 Main Street in Rainelle, WV. Open Monday-Wednesday: 7:30a-8pm; Thursday: 7:30a-8p/9pm; Friday and Saturday: 7:30-9p/10pm. For more information, visit @WestEndCoffeeHouseRainelleWV

– Hashtag Lewisburg City Paper, #131. May 2021.