Enter The Red Door and climb the stairs to a quiet, comfortable room that feels like home.

The new coffee shop located on College Street is decorated with antiques, local art, a big comfortable sofa and chair, and even a flat screen TV. 

Owners Lisa Rivelas and Kathleen Cornett invite customers to sit down with their coffee, pastry and a good book and get away for a while.

The shop offers a variety of hot and cold coffee drinks, fruit smoothies, pastries, cookies, and scones. The light lunch menu features sandwiches, salads, cheese panini and a quiche of the day.

The shop also doubles as a gallery. Local artists can display and sell their work at the shop and most of the antiques in the shop are for sell as well. 

Walking and Talking

Rivelas and Cornett met 15 years ago while helping with PTO functions when their children were in school together. They began walking every morning.

“When you walk, you start talking,” said Rivelas. And they began dreaming about one day opening their own coffee shop.

When they would go out with friends they would look for a place that was beyond the normal chain restaurants; someplace they could relax and have a good time. 

“Someplace quaint, different and comfortable,” said Cornett.

And, that is what they have created at The Red Door.

Rivelas and her husband own the building, which also includes The Patio restaurant located on the street level. She said when she walked upstairs and saw the view of the courthouse and how bright and happy the space could be she knew that was the spot to make their dream become a reality.

Rivelas said she wanted something that would complement The Patio, but at the same time be a little slower paced. 

“We want it to be a gathering place for friends and family in a quiet atmosphere,” said Rivelas. “Life is so fast paced. We want to create an environment that is relaxing, a place where you can get away.”

The women said they thought they knew a lot of people in their small town, but they are meeting more and more everyday and that is their favorite part of the job.

“We have met a lot of really nice people,” said Cornett.

The women often sit down and talk with their customers. “It’s a very personable environment,” said Rivelas.

The women also credit their employee Kaye with making a visit to The Red Door a memorable one.

“She knows our regulars and what they like,” said Rivelas.

In the future they would like to host poetry readings and book signings. One upcoming event is a Blount County book club meeting.

And for those who like to stay connected, the shop offers wireless Internet.

The Red Door is located above The Patio on College Street in Madisonville. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. During the school year, they may open a little earlier through the week. For more information, call 442-1801.

mia.rhodarmer@advocateand democrat.com | 337-7101