Coffee brings people together and great coffee builds communities. Freshground Roasting’s coffee can be found in many businesses in the area. A newcomer, Harvey’s Tales being one of them. We sat down with owners, Roxanne and Chuck Osborne, wanting to find out more about the budding local favorite.
About Harvey’s Tales
Harvey’s Tales is a new Geneva bookstore and coffee bar where patrons can purchase books, coffee, and enjoy a quaint afternoon by the fireplace. In warmer weather, they have a very comfortable patio out front with games and super comfy chairs to enjoy.
Chuck and Roxanne started in October 2018 as their retirement adventure. They’ve always loved independent bookstores and would go to those over big box bookstores whenever they got the chance. Both Chuck and Roxanne knew they wanted to stay active and connected in their retirement years and felt a bookstore was the perfect way to do that. Harvey’s Tales takes what they love about other bookstores and made it a place the community will enjoy and support.
More Than Just Books and Coffee
Harvey’s Tales isn’t just about books and coffee, they also do events. In 2019, they will have book clubs, children’s readings, author and 
speaker events, and workshops on various topics. Along with the coffee bar in the bookstore, they have a huge wall-sized scrabble game and several places to sit. They hope the people will find the bookstore a fun and relaxing place to connect with friends and neighbors. Chuck and Roxanne also finished the basement so that they can host small events the community can participate in.
One of their most popular drinks on the coffee bar is Freshground Roasting’s nitro cold brew, even though it’s cold outside. They also have some great tea lattes that were created by their baristas, hot chocolate for the kids (or adults!) and plenty of great filter coffee.
Don’t just Buy – Browse!
Chuck and Roxanne want Harvey’s Tales to have a warm and welcoming feeling and provide the best customer service they can. Don’t just come in and grab what youj need. They want people to spend time in Harvey’s Tales, browsing the books, enjoying the coffee bar, meeting friends and just generally enjoying the store. Spring promises to be an exciting time when they bring back the patio furniture and Bananagrams games and stacking games. Hopefully, the patio will encourage people to purchase their books and coffee and then hang out, read and relax.
Wait…. Who’s Harvey?
Ahhhhh… great question! Harvey is, well… was, the Osborne’s Bernese Mountain dog. Unfortunately, Harvey passed away before the shop opened. We’re hoping one day soon to see their new Berner puppy, Hazel, in and around the shop very soon! (ed note: got to see her before opening and she’s super cute!)
Where and When?
If you haven’t had a chance to check them out yet, Harvey’s Tales is located at 216 James St Geneva, IL and their hours are Monday through Wednesday: 10AM- 6 PM, Thursday- Saturday: 10AM- 7PM, and Sunday from 11 AM- 5 PM.
