Rick and Susan Cote in front of the future site of their Wild Meadows Books and Café in Williston Credit: Melissa Pasanen ©️ Seven Days

Susan and Rick Cote plan to open a bookstore and café in a new building under construction in Williston’s Finney Crossing. The couple, who also own the Williston Observer, are targeting late summer for the launch of Wild Meadows Books and Café. The same building will host the previously announced Spaghet Red Sauce Joint, a new restaurant concept from prolific Chittenden County restaurateur Jed Davis.

The Cotes said they love bookstores and believe the business aligns with the community-building mission of their local newspaper.

“We felt like it would be a great addition to the Williston community,” said Susan, 63. “Our town can use more gathering places.”

Wild Meadows café will have a full kitchen in which a team will produce soups, salads, sandwiches and small plates to accompany beer or wine in the evening. The Cotes aim to create a place for “people to enjoy a snack or a beverage with a friend or alone,” Susan said, and provide a “nice, cozy environment” for bookstore events.

“There’s a lot of white space there we can explore,” said Rick, 57.

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Melissa Pasanen is a Seven Days staff writer and the food and drink assignment editor. In 2022, she won first place for national food writing from the Association of Alternative Newsmedia and in 2024, she took second. Melissa joined Seven Days full time...