This month celebrates the fifth anniversary of the opening of Joe’s Place, a downtown bookstore and relaxing spot for wine, food and coffee.

To celebrate, owners Mary and Alix Bernard and their fantastic staff are rolling out some big changes to the way people can sit, sip, read and relax. These include a loyalty card program; an expanded deck for events and networking; games such as bocce and cornhole in the side yard and an expanded wine room that has unique and rare wines from small, family-owned vineyards.

“Anything we do, we’ve always wanted to do well,” said Mary Bernard. “These changes are aimed at bringing in new people as well as giving our long-time customers some exciting twists to enjoy.”

Located at 2 Williams Street in the Pettigru District of the award-winning downtown Greenville, Joe’s Place is known for its collection of rare, used and new books. However, the two-story location has built an ambience around the artwork adorning the walls; its baked goods and monthly events ranging from trivia nights to wine tastings to book clubs.

“We’ve learned about what makes people want to come in and enjoy Joe’s Place,” Alix Bernard said. “It’s more than books. It’s the opportunity to enjoy a good wine or taste something new.”

All of this led them to look for some new ideas to celebrate the fifth year. Here is a breakdown of the new additions:

• Loyalty Cards: These are open to any customers. For every $50, a person gets $5 off their next purchase. The cards will be stored on site, so there is no need to remember to bring it with you or fear losing it, Mary said.

• Porch Expansion: Joe’s Place’s porch is being expanded by about one-third its size. This means more people can enjoy the warm spring weather either for meeting friends or attending Joe’s Place events.

• Games: Customers will be able to enjoy some new games this spring and summer as the Bernards have added cornhole tables and will have bocce along the side yard that faces East Washington Street.

• Wine Room: Joe’s Place now has a room devoted to an array of wines. At any time, customers will find Borealis from Montinore Estates and Sailor’s Grave from Michael Pozzan Winery.

Joe’s Place is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and can also host special events.

“Joe’s Place is known for its atmosphere. These changes as we head into our fifth-year underscore that,” Mary Bernard said. “We always look at what makes us a unique experience.”

About Joe’s Place:

Joe’s Place is where Greenville residents and visitors come together to Sip, Sit and Read. Located at 2 Williams Street in the Pettigru District of downtown, Joe’s Place offers a wide selection of rare and modern books, local art, coffees and pastries, unique wines and beer, food and much more. Learn what that more is, at joesplacellc.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.