As Tuscaloosa’s first coffee shop, Heritage House is set to relocate from its 1,200 square-foot home on McFarland Boulevard in Northport to a larger 4,000 square-foot building in the former Alabama Outdoors at Town Center on McFarland Boulevard.
Heritage House’s owner Rebekah Wanstall said she decided five years ago she wanted to relocate to a larger space due to the business’ success. In December 2013, Wanstall found out the Alabama Outdoor building was for lease and decided to lease it out after praying about it.
The new Heritage House location will offer a pick-up window, a fireplace and extended hours. The shops menu will also be extended to include breakfast items like eggs and bacon, crepes, baked oatmeal, scones, muffins, biscuits and cinnamon rolls in addition to sandwich and salad options for lunch and an all-day dessert bar.
In its new location, Heritage House will have more than triple its original space and will be divided into two separate rooms, each with vintage-style furniture. The coffee bar will be made of reclaimed wood that was found on the streets.
Another addition to the new shop will be the installation of a wooden prayer wall where guests are invited to submit prayer requests by hanging them on nails on the wall. Each Heritage House employee is then assigned to a nail and is responsible for praying for the requests hanging on their nail. Wanstall said it keeps the employees connected and allows them to keep Christ at the center of Heritage House.
“Being a Christian is who I am, and if I’m going to have a business it’s going to be like that too,” she said.
Wanstall said the homeliness of the original Heritage House will remain a priority in the new location, something the shop’s customers appreciate.
Fraser Parker, a senior majoring in history, said she cannot wait for the new location to open.
“Heritage House is my second home,” she said. “It’s so welcoming and warm. The staff truly makes me feel like family.” Customers can look forward to the return of live music weekend performances at the new location. Wanstall encourages all student musicians to consider bringing their talents to Heritage House on the weekends.
While Heritage House’s official move-in date has not yet been determined, customers can check their Facebook page for updates. Heritage House’s new hours will be Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
