Cuppa Tahoe brings books, coffee and community to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When Sandra Santane set out to build a "feel good" place where family moments could be created as well as a place where time could be spent for "me time," Cuppa Tahoe evolved.

"I wanted to create magic and had this idea for a long time," explained Sandra. She grew up in Holland where there were places where people would meet, talk and enjoy, and wanted that in South Lake Tahoe. She also grew up with a love of books that has stayed with her as she lived in Tunisia and now the United States. Books were both her inspiration and her escape.

"A place for human connection was missing here," said Sandra of her plan to bring people, books, a cafe and a social house atmosphere together.

Cuppa Tahoe, which is located at The Crossing at Tahoe Valley between Big 5 and Aleworx, is full of all she envisioned.

"It's so cool to see how it's working," said the smiling owner.

Cuppa Tahoe opened on May 23. Its always challenging to open a business, but opening during a pandemic was full of uncertainty.

As she recently passed her milestone 100th day of being open, Sandra got emotional about the community and how they've responded with love and generosity. She said that special day gave her the feeling that the business will make it and that the public understands her concept.

She saw the concept that had been brewing in her mind in person when driving through Wyoming. She found a coffee shop/bookstore near the Isa Lodge and said to herself, "this is what we need."

Besides coffee, tea, pastries and hand made chocolates, Cuppa Tahoe has gifts for kids and adults, and books for all ages. There are cozy nooks to sit down, enjoy a beverage and search through the selections, some by a fireplace. The outside seating and garage-style doors have been very useful during the pandemic and bringing the outside in. There is also plenty of outside seating.

"Books make you think, give you ideas, teach empathy and are very current," said Sandra who believes the strength of a bookstore is understanding where people are coming from.

Sandra added co-working and meeting spaces that are both functional and great spaces to be. A living wall full of plants is in the quiet co-working space and a one-of-a-kind tables and unique lighting is in the meeting room.

The casual working spaces have been used all summer due to many working remotely and by those who were already working at home and needing a change of pace.

"We miss the human connection when working at home," said Sandra. She said one person could be reading in one corner and another on the other side, and even though they don't talk, they are not alone.

"You get the feeling of 'your people' and get energy from others," she added.

Small businesses and groups can rent the meeting room for $25/hour and the co-working room runs $3/hour. There are private telephone call rooms inside that come with that fee. The meeting room needs to be reserved and the co-working room is first come, first served.

The decor is all Sandra's design and it give those walking in an immediate sense of belonging.

Cuppa Tahoe will also start having events, as long as they fit the current COVID-19 health restrictions from COVID-19. On September 26 at 10:00 a.m. there is a ticketed event with local author Susanne Roberts, the author of Bad Tourist. Tickets are $30 and only 30 tickets will be sold. The price includes an autographed book, coffee and a pastry and it will be held outside on the lawn. More information HERE.

Sandra will also be creating special Halloween "You Got Boo'd" baskets. Get a basket dropped off, then pay-it-forward. Get more details at Cuppa Tahoe.

The bookstore coffee shop is open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. More information can be found on their website http://www.cuppatahoe.com/.