As a Langley-based business insurance broker, I have a deep appreciation for the local businesses that make our community special. One of my personal favorites – a place I often recommend to clients, friends, and newcomers – is Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe in Fort Langley. This cozy bookstore-café has been a beloved fixture in our area for decades, offering a unique blend of literary charm and delicious, home-style food. Below, I’d like to share a bit of Wendel’s story and why it remains such a cherished local spot.

A Bit of History and Heritage

Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe first opened its doors in 1997 at the corner of Mavis Avenue and Glover Road in historic Fort Langley​. From day one, it drew in locals and visitors alike – people flocked to enjoy a meal or coffee and then browse the quaint bookstore shelves​. In those early days, Wendel’s was one of the only places in Fort Langley open in the evenings, quickly becoming a community gathering spot where neighbors could meet after hours. More than 25 years later, Wendel’s is still going strong. In fact, the café retains an “energetic buzz” every time you walk through its doors, according to owner Diane Morrison, who notes that for a small family-run business reaching the two-decade mark was “an amazing accomplishment”​. This longevity speaks to how well Wendel’s has woven itself into the fabric of Fort Langley.

Fort Langley itself is the perfect backdrop for Wendel’s. Our village is known for its heritage charm – nestled on the banks of the Fraser River with preserved historic buildings and a relaxed small-town feel​. Wendel’s location takes full advantage of this atmosphere. It sits right near the Fort Langley National Historic Site and the town’s boutique-lined streets, making it a natural stop for tourists exploring local history and for residents out on their daily routines​. On sunny days, you’ll often see the patio out front filled with patrons, all soaking up the sunshine and Fort Langley’s friendly vibe​. The building itself, adorned with classic wooden siding and warm lights, fits right into Fort Langley’s heritage aesthetic, making Wendel’s a familiar landmark for anyone driving through the village​. It’s the kind of place that feels like it’s been part of the community forever – because it truly has.

Atmosphere and Ambiance

Step inside Wendel’s and you’ll immediately feel the welcoming ambiance that keeps us coming back. The atmosphere is cozy, intimate, and bustling with life. There’s an unmistakable “energetic buzz” during busy hours – the friendly chatter of customers, the aroma of fresh coffee, and the soft rustle of pages from the bookstore section all blend into a comforting soundtrack​. Despite being popular, it never loses that small-town warmth. The space isn’t huge – it has a charming, intimate layout with the café and bookstore seamlessly integrated. In fact, Wendel’s buyer and manager, Milena Raschpichler, once described it as “an intimate and cozy setting” that might be better for a quiet evening gathering than a large event​. This coziness is part of its charm; whether you’re grabbing a coffee solo or meeting a colleague for lunch, you feel at home.

The décor and vibe reflect Fort Langley’s community spirit. Local art and historical photos (including pictures of the owner’s family over the generations) adorn the walls​, giving a sense of continuity and roots. You might snag a seat by the window overlooking Glover Road to people-watch as tourists and locals stroll by. In cooler months, the indoor seating is snug and inviting; in summer, the front patio is one of the best spots in town to enjoy a drink while taking in the village scene. Whether you walk in wearing business attire or biking gear, you’ll get a warm hello from the staff and likely bump into someone you know. It’s this blend of professional yet friendly service and the relaxed, bookish environment that makes the atmosphere so special.

Fresh Local Food & Delicious Drinks

One of the big reasons I recommend Wendel’s is the quality of the food. Wendel’s calls itself “Local + Fresh” for good reason. Since 1997, the cafe has focused on hand-crafted meals made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients​. They proudly support our local farmers and producers – working together to create great tasting food free from preservatives​. As a result, their menu feels like a home-cooked meal with a gourmet twist. You can drop in at any time of day: they serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, along with excellent coffee and tea. In the morning, you might try their famous blueberry pancakes or a hearty omelette; by lunchtime, favorites include creative sandwiches (the fig and brie grilled cheese is a standout) and wraps​. Dinner brings more bistro-style dishes – I’ve seen seasonal specials ranging from a wild salmon wrap to a flavorful mushroom-spinach pesto rigatoni​. Everything is prepared in-house, and many recipes actually come from Diane’s own family cookbook (her mother and grandmother helped develop several of the recipes that are still used today)​.

Wendel’s truly offers a fresh take on comfort food. The menu covers all the classics – from soups and salads to hearty entrées – but often with a unique or local twist. For example, they incorporate Fraser Valley produce in season and feature BC specialties (I recall a delicious special of Cajun prawn and avocado tacos one summer​). Importantly for many, they cater to different dietary needs. There are plenty of gluten-free and vegan options (in fact, Wendel’s even launched a dedicated gluten-free bakery side business in 2009 due to customer demand​). If you have a sweet tooth, their dessert selection is not to be missed – pies, cakes, and homemade Nanaimo bars that have a reputation all their own. Wendel’s bakes many treats on-site, and even sells their gluten-free baked goods (under the “Wendel’s True Foods” label) in local grocery stores now​, which speaks to how tasty they are.

To accompany the food, Wendel’s offers a full espresso bar and coffee menu, along with teas and cold drinks. You can get anything from a simple dark roast to a fancy latte crafted by their baristas. In the evenings or at brunch, you might even enjoy a glass of local wine or craft beer – yes, they are licensed, so it’s not uncommon to see someone sipping a Okanagan red wine with their dinner or a mimosa with their weekend brunch. The combination of wholesome food and beverages means you can have a casual coffee meet-up or a full family dinner at Wendel’s with equal satisfaction. Personally, I often stop in for a quick lunch and can’t resist grabbing a baked treat “to go” for later. The consistency in quality is impressive: you can taste the freshness in every bite, and the portions are satisfying without being overpriced. It’s no wonder Wendel’s has such a loyal following when it comes to food – they take pride in using local, quality ingredients and it shows in every dish​.

A Bookstore with Character and Curated Selection

The “Bookstore” half of Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe is just as important to its identity as the food. Walking past the shelves in Wendel’s, I always feel a little spark of joy as a reader – it’s a curated bookstore with real character. Unlike big chain stores, Wendel’s bookstore area is small but thoughtfully stocked. They carry a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, from the latest bestsellers to beloved classics​. What makes it special is that the selection is hand-picked for our community. The staff, including veteran booksellers like Milena, choose titles they know local readers will love. You’ll find popular new releases, sure, but also books by Canadian and local BC authors, Indigenous literature, and unique titles that reflect Fort Langley’s heritage and interests. It’s the kind of place where you can ask for a recommendation and get a heartfelt suggestion – they offer personalized service in the bookstore, going the extra mile to help you find the right book​.

In addition to books, Wendel’s sells greeting cards, stationery and fun gifts that complement the literary vibe​. Many times I’ve picked up a quirky birthday card or a handcrafted gift item here while grabbing my coffee. This makes Wendel’s a convenient stop if you need a last-minute gift or just want to browse interesting little finds (book-themed mugs, journals, locally made crafts, etc.). The fact that you can order books through them as well – they have an online ordering option and can bring in titles for you​ – shows how they balance old-fashioned bookselling with modern convenience.

The curation in Wendel’s bookstore is truly unique in the age of online everything. It reflects the owners’ and staff’s genuine love for books. Milena (the store’s buyer/manager) has over 33 years of experience as an independent bookseller and treats Wendel’s selection as if it were her own personal library – with great care and pride​. The result is that you’ll often spot a staff pick or recommendation note on a shelf, or discover a title you didn’t know you needed. There’s a certain serendipity to browsing here that you don’t get with an algorithm online. I’ve had clients tell me that after a lunch at Wendel’s, they wandered into the book section and left with a novel that became their new favorite. That’s the magic of a curated bookstore-café: it nourishes both the body and the mind.

A Community Gathering Place

Beyond the food and books, Wendel’s stands out for its strong community presence. It’s not just a business; it’s a true community hub in Fort Langley. Over the years, Wendel’s has hosted countless informal meet-ups – you’ll see book clubs chatting over dessert, cyclists taking a break on their weekend ride, and families making it a ritual stop after a walk around the Fort. The cafe has been involved in local events and celebrations as well. For instance, on Wendel’s 20th anniversary, they held special giveaways and prizes (like free coffee for a year and a “book a month” for a year) to thank the community that supported them​. They regularly support local initiatives and often have bulletin boards or flyers up for community events. As a local business owner myself, I appreciate how Wendel’s emphasizes local-first values – they source from local producers, hire local staff (between the cafe and their bakery, they employ nearly 100 people, many of whom have been with them for over a decade)​, and give back to other local businesses by attracting tourists to the village.

Fort Langley’s cultural scene is enriched by Wendel’s presence. It’s a place where conversations happen and connections are made. I’ve had the pleasure of striking up talks with strangers about the book in their hand or the meal they just ordered. Wendel’s effectively combines two forms of community engagement: the literary community and the foodie community. On one hand, it encourages reading and sharing of ideas – I often see people swapping book recommendations or neighbors bumping into each other in the bookstore. On the other hand, it’s fostering that classic breaking-bread togetherness – friends meeting for brunch, parents treating kids to hot chocolate after school, or couples having date night dessert and coffee. In a rapidly growing region like Langley Township, Wendel’s helps keep Fort Langley’s small-town spirit alive. It’s a reminder of the power of local businesses in shaping our community’s character.

Culturally, Wendel’s also contributes by simply being a steadfast champion of real books and face-to-face hospitality. In today’s digital age, places like this are rarer gems. The bookstore’s success stands as quiet proof against the notion that bookstores are disappearing – clearly, if you offer something valuable, people will continue to gather and cherish it. As Milena from Wendel’s notes, there will always be people who “celebrate and cherish the ‘book’ in all of its perfection”, and Wendel’s gives those people a home​. Likewise, the cafe shows that authentic, locally sourced food can thrive even when chain restaurants abound. Wendel’s has essentially become part of the cultural heritage of Fort Langley – much like the old Fort itself, the CN Station, or the community hall, it’s a place where stories are shared and made.

Rave Reviews and Reputation

Given its long-standing popularity, it’s no surprise that Wendel’s has earned excellent reviews from the public. In fact, I often point out to hesitant first-timers that they can just check the online ratings to see how highly regarded this spot is. As of now, Wendel’s boasts a great reputation on review platforms – it holds around a 4.5-star rating out of 5 on Google, based on well over a thousand customer reviews​. That’s an impressive score, and it’s echoed on other sites too (TripAdvisor, for example, also rates it around 4.5/5 with hundreds of reviews). But beyond the numbers, the comments people leave really tell the story.

Many reviewers highlight the combination of quality food and cozy bookstore as a winning formula. One Google reviewer noted the “amazing food with a great selection of books!”, recommending the grilled cheese sandwich and shrimp pasta as must-tries​. Another guest expressed their delight by saying it was “picture perfect AND delicious!!! ... Always a good meal at Wendel’s!!!”, praising the fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon they enjoyed at brunch​. The phrase “great atmosphere” comes up frequently in reviews, often alongside compliments for the friendly and attentive staff. As a local, it makes me happy (but not surprised) to see visitors charmed by things like the historic village setting and the sight of a bustling cafe attached to a bookstore – it’s something a bit unique that clearly leaves an impression. Of course, no place is perfect – you might find the odd review mentioning a long line up at peak times or difficulty finding parking on a busy weekend (Fort Langley can indeed be crowded on sunny Saturdays). But even those reviews usually conclude by saying the visit was worth it in the end. The overwhelming sentiment is positive and affectionate. Wendel’s has that effect on people; it tends to turn first-time visitors into regulars.

I also want to highlight that Wendel’s earned its reputation organically over time. It isn’t a flashy, hyped-up spot – its popularity grew through word-of-mouth from satisfied customers. When you see such consistently high ratings sustained over so many years, it’s a testament to how well they maintain their standards. Cleanliness, quality, service, atmosphere – Wendel’s hits the mark on all of these, and the public feedback reflects that. As an insurance broker, I know the importance of trust and reliability, and Wendel’s has clearly earned the trust of our community. The phrase “local gem” pops up in reviews, and I couldn’t agree more.

Why I Recommend Wendel’s

In my line of work, I meet a lot of people who are new to Langley or looking for recommendations on local favorites. Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe is always one of the first places I suggest. I do so not just because of its great food and books (though those are fantastic), but because of what Wendel’s represents for our community. It embodies the values we cherish in Langley: supporting local producers and businesses, fostering community connections, and providing a warm, welcoming place for everyone. As a professional, I appreciate that when I recommend Wendel’s, it reflects well on me too – I know they will treat people right and deliver a quality experience. And as a neighbor, I take pride in having such an outstanding establishment in our backyard, one that I can personally vouch for.

In conclusion, Wendel’s Bookstore & Cafe is more than just a cafe or a bookstore – it’s a cornerstone of Fort Langley’s village life. Its history, atmosphere, and offerings all contribute to a spot that feels like home for many of us. Whether you’re craving a homemade meal, hunting for your next great read, or just looking to spend a relaxing afternoon in a friendly setting, Wendel’s is the place to be. I’m grateful to have watched it grow over the years and remain a thriving part of our community. If you haven’t been yet, I encourage you to visit and experience this local treasure for yourself. Chances are, you’ll soon be recommending Wendel’s to others as enthusiastically as I do.

Sources:

Let’s Keep Talking:

Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance.

She is also a business development consultant with Impresario Partners, helping Canadian Business expand overseas.

She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jhansen@waypoint.ca. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn and BlueSky.

Let’s Meet Up:

Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4

Tags:  #Jenny Holly Hansen #Wendel's Bookstore & Cafe #Langley is Awesome #Fort Langley, BC #Glover Road #Comfort Food and Bookstore

Share this article
The link has been copied!