Long’s Hill Convenience has been a staple in downtown St. John’s for many years, and the new owners of the new Long’s Hill Cafe and Bookshelf want to keep that spirit alive.

Stephanie Stoker and Gilberto Manuyama own and operate Georgetown Cafe and Bookshelf; where people from inside, or outside the neighbourhood can go and feel at home, in a safe place.

They wanted to do the same thing downtown and needed a bigger kitchen and space. When Long’s Hill Convenience became available, they couldn’t think of a better place as it has been such an important part of the community.

Stoker says the previous owners were loved in the community, and they wish to continue that.

She says they realize they put themselves in some big shoes.

They even incorporated some of the old fixtures left in the building. Stoker says they took beams down and made shelves out of them, they found lights and clocks and put them up.

They still have the sign up, which will be changed, and they understand people may be upset with that, but they will be keeping it in the space.