"I was doing some self-training. I checked out every cookbook in the library," she said. " I would read cookbooks like they were novels. I thought while I had the time, I was going to increase my culinary knowledge."
One afternoon while in the old library, she heard the city was seeking bids for a coffee shop that was planned for the new library.
"I overheard someone interviewing the [library] director about the new library and the caf that was going to be in it, and I thought, 'How cool," she said.
After asking a few questions, Hoekstra decided to throw her hat in the ring. After working around the clock with her daughter's help, Hoekstra submitted a proposal less than a week later and won the bid.
She opened Red Poppy Coffee Co. inside the new Georgetown Public Library in January 2007.
Walking through the stacks of books and periodicals filling the shelves of the library, the smell of onions sauting and the sounds of soup bubbling on the stove can seem a bit out of place. But for regulars in Georgetown, the sights and smells wafting from Red Poppy Coffee Co. nestled in the northeast corner of the library is just like any other day.
Whether searching for a good book or a good cup of coffee, customers can find both in one stop.
"It's so cool to hang out in the library all day," she said. "There are cool people, and it's so mellow. There's always something interesting going on, and we are always surrounded by interesting people."
The restaurant's menu features coffee, tea and deli selections that can be enjoyed in the caf's seating area, on the patio or throughout the library. Hoekstra is also responsible for all catering for library events.
Although somewhat limited by her cooking space, Hoekstra said she focuses on offering healthy comfort food with her menu of sandwiches and soups made fresh in-house.
"We use as much organic [ingredients] as we can," she said. "We want it to be healthy, but it has to taste good."
Depending on her mood, what ingredients are available and customer requests, Hoekstra offers a variety of daily soups ranging from tomato basil to chicken tortilla and patch corn chowder, she said.
Red Poppy Coffee Co. has a set menu, but each season brings some special favorites, including fall's Pumpkin Spiced Latte, Hoekstra said. The latte is one of Hoekstra's favorite drinks, and it is made with real pumpkin rather than pumpkin-flavored syrup, she said.
For those looking for a quick snack while browsing the library's shelves, Red Poppy Coffee Co. also has a variety of baked goods from scones and muffins to cakes and desserts. The caf also offers a selection of goods for people with special dietary needs, including and gluten-free options.
Owner recommendations
- Lisa's Chicken Salad ($7.25, $7.95 gluten-free option) – Owner Lisa Hoekstra's secret chicken salad recipe can be served as a salad or sandwich with the side of the day.
- Turkey Pesto Panini ($7.50) – Turkey, provolone cheese, tomatoes, baby spinach and basil pesto served with the side of the day.
- Frapps ($3.89, $4.59) – The frozen coffee drink comes in either creamy vanilla or Ghirardelli chocolate flavors. Red Poppy Coffee Co. also offers no-sugar-added vanilla and tea frapps in spiced vanilla or Flamingo Vanilla sugar-free tea flavors.
- Espresso ($1.65, $1.95, $2.35) – Available in one, two or three shots
- Pumpkin Spiced Latte ($3.35, $3.95, $4.40) – Available seasonally and made with real pumpkin
Coffees and teas galore
Although coffee is part of its name, Red Poppy Coffee Co. also has a selection of more than 40 teas, including loose-leaf and tea bags.
"Red Poppy is as much a tea house as it is a coffeehouse," owner Lisa Hoekstra said.
Customers can enjoy teas ranging from traditional Earl Grey and green tea to a variety of rooibos teas.
The drink menu also features several literary-inspired items, including the Mystery Mocha, Literary Latte and the Edited Latte. Hoekstra also offers Hemingway's Hot Chocolate.
Red Poppy Coffee Co., 402 W. Eighth St. (Inside the Georgetown Public Library), 512-931-7703, www.redpoppycoffee.com
H0urs: Mon.–Thu. 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; Fri. 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. noon–5 p.m
