MoJoe's Book and Brew

MoJoe's Book and Brew Coming Soon! A local, independently-owned bookstore, cafe, taproom and retail space in Cortland, NY. So many of you have supported us on this journey. P.S. P.P.S.

We’re building something we’ve wanted for a long time: a place where you can browse books, sip some java, and stay a while. Your “Third Place.”

Our space will be a retail bookstore, café, and taproom—designed for readers, writers, curious minds, and anyone who loves a good story paired with a good drink. Whether you’re stopping for a brew, meeting friends after work, or settling into a quiet corner with a new favorite book, we want this to be the kind of place you return to again and again. What you can expect:
• A thoughtful selection of books for all kinds of readers
• A cozy café vibe by day - relaxed taproom atmosphere in the evenings
• Cool, one-of-a-kind gifts, cards, and artwork featuring local and regional artists
• Events, gatherings, book clubs, and many more reasons to come back (often)

And yes—this has been a nearly four-year odyssey. After a few property “almosts” and some long detours, we found our way back to a space we had considered from the start: the historic Cortland Corset Factory. We’re aiming to open late summer / early fall, and we can’t wait to share the excitement as this space comes to life. Thanks for being part of our story. Before anyone asks: the profile pic is not our logo. 😂 Just a playful placeholder until we finalize the real thing. We hope you’ll help us “sell a sh&*-ton of books!”

09/15/2026

MoJoe's Merch!

Thank you Paige and the Cortland Standard for the sweet article. We are busting tail to get ready and we are SO EXCITED!...
09/08/2026

Thank you Paige and the Cortland Standard for the sweet article. We are busting tail to get ready and we are SO EXCITED!!!!

CORTLAND — After years of trying to find a location, figuring out logistics and working toward the dream of owning a business, Molly Lane and Joe Cortese finally have the

Enlisting the wallpaper master- Mama Carol!
09/05/2026

Enlisting the wallpaper master- Mama Carol!

The first wave of books are HERE!!
09/04/2026

The first wave of books are HERE!!

09/02/2026

It's stunning how excited I got by opening the tap in MoJoe's new prep sink--and seeing water come out! The plumbers of JMS (Tim, Kevin, Kenny, and Sean) have been working hard to finish up the sinks, dishwasher, coolers, and myriad other pieces of stainless steel that need water. The ice machine comes tomorrow (from Brown Carbonic of Syracuse), as does our espresso machine (from Cortland's own Coffee Depot).

Bryson Andrews, our live-in carpenter (I'm getting him a futon for the kids' corner he built), is trimming the bookshelf areas, the bar, doorways, and baseboards. He's pickier than I am!

Tomorrow, Larry and Andrew Forker will blitz the floors with not one but two truck-mounted steamers. And then, on Thursday, Mike Sweeney and Syracuse Office Environments deliver our chairs, barstools for the Gen Z counter, and fifty-one white steel bookcases. That'll get the fun started at MoJoe's!

We look to do a soft open the week of September 14th--we're unsure exactly which day we'll start at this point--and we may have to open dry for a hot minute if our beer/wine/cider license isn't quite ready. Stay tuned...

Send a message to learn more

08/26/2026

Dolly Parton gave the world countless songs, stories and reasons to smile. But one of her greatest legacies may be the millions of stories she put into the hands of children.

For more than 30 years, Dolly’s Imagination Library has helped children discover the joy of reading by sending free books directly to their homes. What began as a small program in her Tennessee hometown grew into a worldwide commitment to helping every child dream a little bigger.

Because Dolly understood something simple and powerful: give a child a book, and you give them somewhere to go.

Thank you, Dolly, for a lifetime of music, generosity and imagination. 🩷

There are so many reasons to remember Dolly Parton—her music, her humor, her enormous heart, and, of course, all those r...
08/26/2026

There are so many reasons to remember Dolly Parton—her music, her humor, her enormous heart, and, of course, all those rhinestones.

We’re especially grateful for Dolly the reader.

Through her Imagination Library, she put books into the hands of millions of children and helped create generations of readers. She understood that books are treasures—that they open doors, spark imaginations, and change lives.

RIP. Thank you for the music, the sparkle, and especially the stories.

Gerharz Equipment has arrived at MoJoe’s with some very important cargo—the equipment that’s going to help us bring our ...
08/19/2026

Gerharz Equipment has arrived at MoJoe’s with some very important cargo—the equipment that’s going to help us bring our cafe and taproom to life! A HUGE thank you to the team at Gerharz. You’ve been with us since Day 1, helping us figure out how to turn this crazy idea into a reality. We truly wouldn’t be here without your guidance, patience, and support. ❤️

Trying not to huff paint getting these beauties ready to hold the latest bestselling titles!
08/16/2026

Trying not to huff paint getting these beauties ready to hold the latest bestselling titles!

Address

Cortland Corset Building 75 E Court St
Cortland, NY
13045

Website

, ,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when MoJoe's Book and Brew posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category