Our Story

Pat and Clare are avid book lovers and beer enthusiasts. When taking the leap into entrepreneurship, deciding to marry the two and create Books and Brews was an easy decision. After finding the perfect spot on the corner of Main Street in Downtown Hurricane, Books and Brews was born as a used bookstore and coffee shop. The City of Hurricane and community embraced the little shop and after a few months of business, beer and wine were added to the menu. (The beer mug in our logo was always a beer mug, but conveniently played the part of a coffee mug before the brews were added to the menu). Brews were always intended to be added to complete Pat and Clare’s vision for Books and Brews.

The books soon became an eclectic backdrop of organized chaos that blended in with the walls and every corner of the little shop. Customers donated books, purchased books and even borrowed books. The books were only 1% of sales and the little corner on Main Street quickly became a full service restaurant, ranked as one of the top restaurants in Teays Valley.

When deciding to open a second location, the Elk City neighborhood in Charleston attracted Pat and Clare and they worked with Bullock Properties, LLC to build Books and Brews - Elk City. The new location opened in December 2018 as a full service restaurant with a rotation of 12 beers on tap among bottles, cans, and wine. Though no longer a bookstore, the books are an integral part of our theme.

The Elk City location has a library-like feel with used books and old maps on the walls, and a couple other hidden details you can ask us about when you visit.

You’re likely to see Pat plating food at either location. Clare is usually taking care of their four kids at home, but sometimes takes a break to host or bartend. The Pelleys love meeting new people, and chances are if you become a regular, you’ll become a friend. Meet them at Books and Brews!

Pat has a BS in Mining Engineering from West Virginia University and MA in Strategic Communication and Leadership from Seton Hall University. His working experience consists of 10+ years in mining, 3+ years executive level mining leadership, and 3+ years restaurant owner/manager experience. He’s known to be a workaholic! He's also a proud parent of four – John, Mary Ellen, Edward, and Theodore, and married to Clare Pelley – a.k.a. Wonder Women.

Clare has a BA in Journalism and Promotional Communication from Cleveland State University. Her work experience includes 5+ years in marketing and administrative assistance and 5+ years in staying at home with four kids. She works with Pat to handle administrative, bookkeeping and marketing for Books and Brews.