WATERVILLE — Jenny Allen had for years wanted to open a coffeehouse where patrons could drop in, sip coffee or tea, pick up an instrument and play, read a book and/or talk religion, politics or any other tropic of the day. Allen, 45, of Oakland, realized her dream Monday when she opened A Coffeehouse at 252 Main St., the site of the former Record Connection.
“It was great, Allen said Thursday. “We got pretty slammed in the morning and people really seemed to like the idea.” Allen and her husband, Craig Allen, 56, bought the building in 2021-22 and renovated the inside to include making it handicapped accessible and code compliant.
They painted, installed a commercial kitchen and brought in tables and chairs to seat about 25 people. The whole idea was to create a warm and inclusive place for folks to congregate. Allen describes the space as “chaotically cozy.
” “I think it’s a space that’s welcoming for everyone,” she said. “We’ve just been getting people of all ages, and a lot of the people in the community are feeling like it’s the new Jorgensen’s. I have a lot of the seating from Jorgensen’s, too.
” She was referring to Jorgensen’s Cafe & Deli , a longtime eatery in downtown that moved in 2021 from 103 Main St. to 220 Main after 30 years in business and closed in 2023 . Allen purchased a lot of dishes, including elegant China teacups, at estate sales, and has a collection of books on hand for patrons to enjoy.
“I think people should enjoy t.