New space for mocktails and books to open in Manitowoc

Jennifer Much

Contributor

October 7, 2024

MANITOWOC – Lily Schuette and Jessica Nicholson – co-owners of The Nook – said they are busy finishing renovations on their new dream business and are looking forward to sharing their space with the community.

The Nook, Schuette said, will offer a place for others to celebrate inclusion and relax in a rather cozy and unique way.

Passion meets plan

Crafting up and designing their business, Schuette and Nicholson said, was second nature to them – as they are both passionate and knowledgeable about business.

For the last four years, Schuette said she has owned and run Lil Petunia, an online polymer clay earring business, and Nicholson has been a local real estate agent in Manitowoc County for two-and-a-half years. 

Their decision to come together to open a new venture, the duo said, stemmed from their shared entrepreneurial goals, having worked in similar backgrounds in customer service, and their love of books.

“Entrepreneurship has always been what I’ve wanted in life, but owning a brick and mortar was the main goal,” Schuette said. “Nothing has felt more right than being my own boss.”

Like Schuette, Nicholson said she also envisioned opening a physical business of some kind and knew that with both of them brainstorming ideas – it would quickly open the door for creativity to transpire and to find a fitting purpose.

“I have always had the goal of owning my own business and creating something that I’m passionate about, and that’s what I found when planning The Nook,” she said.

The process of opening The Nook, the co-owners said, has been in the works since May and has included loads of “behind the scenes” work – including collecting supplies, creating pricing guides and writing a business plan.

Renovations of the building, Schuette said, began the last week of August.

“Once we were in our building, creating a style and energy that was comfortable, yet refreshing, just seemed natural,” she said.

Though the exact location has not yet been revealed to build suspense of their grand opening, Schuette said The Nook is slated to open later this year in downtown Manitowoc.

“Being in the heart of Manitowoc was important to us, we knew just how much foot traffic and tourism the downtown area sees and that can be incredible for small businesses,” she said.

When planning the business, Nicholson said she drew inspiration from her own skill set, too.

Alongside working with customers and in the hospitality field, she said she had previously been a bartender – a position that helped drive the vision behind The Nook, but with a twist.

“With alcohol and the bar scene being so glorified in Wisconsin, it’s hard to find a social space for people to feel included when they don’t drink,” she said.

Nicholson said she and Schuette decided to offer mocktails, which are non-alcoholic beverage combinations, to bring a new type of social experience into town that is inclusive to everyone.  

“We want our guests to be able to lounge, work or socialize with those around them – all while having a fun drink, hangover-free,” she said.

Combining two loves

Books were added to the mix, Nicholson said, to elevate the establishment’s welcoming vibe.

“Both Lily and I are a part of several book groups and share a love of reading, so what better way to combine both things that we’re passionate about,” she said.

Nicholson and Schuette said The Nook will consist of three rooms – a large main room, a side room – specifically curated for children – and a lounge area that can be booked to host special events or clubs.

Nicholson and Schuette said they are also looking forward to offering events to patrons, which will begin right away after opening.

“Our first month we are going to be starting off with some very exciting events,” Schuette said.

From a Build-Your-Own Charcuterie Board Night to Trivia Night with specials, book clubs and poetry readings, she said there will be many opportunities available for all ages.

“Children’s book readings will be held monthly, so our events really are for everyone,” she said.

As an avid reader, Schuette said she is especially looking forward to the book component of the business.

She said customers will be able to purchase new titles, as well as some gently used second-hand selections, and even sell some, too.

“Genres will range from children’s books to young adult, fantasy, nonfiction, romance and more,” she said. “We plan to buy gently used books off of patrons, as needed.”

Schuette said not only will there be a wide range of books to check out, but there will also be a retail area. 

“Customers can expect great customer service as it is very important to us that The Nook offers a space where all feel welcome,” she said.

Top things off with a beverage

Nicholson said The Nook will feature a generous menu of options – from select coffee options and cocktails to a special elixir menu.

“The elixir menu gives customers the option to add in natural herbs or lotus energy to their custom beverages geared toward the type of mood they are looking for,” she said. “Whether they want to relax or gain some focus – there are options for both.”

The mocktail offerings, Nicholson said, will look like a regular bar menu containing Wisconsin classics like Old Fashioneds, Moscow Mules, margaritas and more – except all will be alcohol-free.

“My favorite part of the menu is tied between the Mix Your Elixir menu, or our signature drink ‘The Nook,’” she said. “It consists of a vodka alternative, raspberry syrup, lemonade, non-alcoholic Ginger beer, edible flowers and is garnished with a lemon twist.”

The atmosphere at The Nook, Scheutte said, is meant to be inviting for all – whether someone wants to stop in alone or with friends.

Guests, she said, can sit at the bar or in the lounge.

“It’s important to us that we offer beverages that look as incredible as they taste, whether that be a cocktail or a coffee drink,” she said.

Scheutte said The Nook also plans on offering special drinks for community-wide events, such as parades and the county fair.

A new way to socialize

Deciding to open their business, Nicholson and Schuette said, was an easy choice for them – hoping it inspires a new way to socialize.

“Our lounge is unique to Manitowoc because we’re introducing a new concept that combines a relaxed social environment with a curated selection of books and mocktails,” Nicholson said. “This is a space where you can come enjoy a coffee while you get some work done during the day, or you can come grab drinks with your friends at night.”

Schuette said The Nook’s plush furniture and calming colors offer a “relaxing and welcoming environment for patrons.”

“It’s important to us that our space feels enjoyable to walk into, and keeps people wanting to come back,” she said. “It’s important that the community knows we have something for everyone”

For more information on The Nook and its grand opening, weekly specials and upcoming events, check out the shop’s Facebook page.