That’s that she espresso: Ava Page pours heart into local family owned coffee shop

By: Bailee Farrens, Contributing Writer

For Ava Page, a senior at Centralia High School (CHS), family means more to her than most. ​

While not only working as a barista at the Book & Bean, a local Centralia coffee shop owned by her parents, Page gets the additional opportunity to manage its events and how it is run. Staying close to her roots and supporting her family in their efforts to achieve their dreams is dear to Page. 

The Book & Bean opened in 2022, and was the Page family’s second business opened in Centralia, alongside Reclaimed. Over the years, the coffee shop has been a place for many people to participate in wine nights, book clubs, jewelry making and even one event specifically put together by Ava Page, Bikini Box night. 

Events from Second Saturdays to the small town concerts held at Reclaimed, Page plays a huge role into putting it all together. “This is important to me because it’s my family’s business, so I care about my parents doing well,” said Page. While not only being an 18 year old senior in high school, she is already preparing herself for the future ahead of her. Page runs the instagram account for Book and Bean, and posts regularly about deals, specials and even new events coming up in the shop. 

While talking about her future, Page plans on attending college on the east coast to follow in her family’s footsteps and become an entrepreneur. “I want to own my own business and create something for our world,” said Page. While she has plans to continue managing the business from afar, she has hopes in starting something important of her own. Filled with integrity and dreams, Ava Page has left her mark on not only the Book & Bean, but the rural town of Centralia, Missouri.