RONCEVERTE, W.Va. (WVDN) — For Anna Stout-Tuckwiller and William Tuckwiller, returning to their roots in Greenbrier County was about more than just a move home—it was about planting the seeds for a new community hub.
The couple is currently preparing for the grand opening of Wildwood Mercantile and Cafe Verte, a dual-concept space in Ronceverte designed to blend local artistry with a slow-paced cafe experience. The venture is slated to open its doors Saturday, April 25, with regular business hours beginning April 29.
“We were born and raised in Greenbrier County, and after marrying, we chose to return here because we love the mountains, the sense of community, and the roots we’ve built together. Our decision to invest in Ronceverte springs from a belief that this small town has the potential to become a vibrant, accessible hub within Greenbrier County—an inviting space where creativity can thrive and where younger creatives and entrepreneurs can turn their visions into reality,” Stout-Tuckwiller said. “The proximity to the Greenbrier River only strengthens our connection to the area and its natural beauty, providing a daily reminder of why we chose to lay down roots here again.”
The project, housed in a building the couple purchased in 2021, represents a career pivot for both. Stout-Tuckwiller, who studied art and photography before working in the medical field, is returning to her creative passions. William Tuckwiller, an arborist of nearly 15 years, will use the space to showcase sustainable, live-edge lumber and finished wood products processed from locally sourced and recycled logs.
The mercantile and cafe aim to offer a “steady rhythm” to the town, operating Wednesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beyond coffee and retail, the owners intend for the space to serve as a showroom and a collaborative venue for local makers and farmers.
Speaking about the venture, Stout-Tuckwiller said, “Our project is meant to bring joy and connection—to us, to our friends and family, to kids, and to the broader community. In a world that often feels hurried and disconnected, Wildwood Mercantile and Cafe Verte aims to be a place where people can slow down, savor good company, and discover something new. We are committed to making it as good as it can be.”
She went on to say, “This is our first venture, so we anticipate a few bumps along the way, but our goal is to build something meaningful and lasting for years to come. Assuming everything unfolds as planned, we’re aiming for a grand opening on Saturday, April 25, with regularly scheduled hours starting Wednesday, April 29, from 7 am to 6 pm. We want our schedule to be predictable and visitor-friendly, offering a steady rhythm that fits the town’s pace while inviting newcomers to explore what Ronceverte has to offer. The cafe and storefronts became the realization of that idea.”
The couple’s commitment to Ronceverte’s downtown revitalization extends beyond their current storefront. They recently purchased the neighboring “old Rexall building,” with plans to develop two additional storefronts in the coming years.
As they navigate their first business venture, the Tuckwillers said they are leaning on community feedback—largely through social media—to help shape the evolution of the neighborhood.
“We’re excited to invite guests to see, touch, and purchase unique pieces that carry the story of our region’s trees, our shared labor, and our commitment to reuse and craftsmanship,” Stout-Tuckwiller said.
The couple wants the businesses to go “beyond the physical space” with their mission centering on community. Stout-Tuckwiller stated, “We want Wildwood Mercantile and Cafe Verte to be more than a place to shop or eat—it should be a hub for conversation, collaboration, and creative exchange. We’re exploring partnerships with local artists, makers, and farmers to curate rotating showcases, pop-ups, and collaborative projects that reflect Greenbrier County’s diverse talent.”
Additionally, Stout-Tuckwiller said, “Our storefronts upstairs provide apartments that support families who contribute to our neighborhood’s vitality, while the storefronts below become welcoming spaces for neighbors and visitors to gather, learn and be inspired.”
The pair said their approach to business “emphasizes quality over speed” and detailed that they are “committed to doing things thoughtfully, whether we’re selecting materials, designing displays, or shaping the customer experience.” Going into more detail, Stout-Tuckwiller said, “This means taking the time needed to source responsibly, to collaborate with neighbors, and to ensure that every product and service we offer meets high standards. We’ve learned from our earlier endeavors—most notably our work with Wildwood Mercantile and Cafe Verte—that a patient, deliberate pace yields stronger, longer-lasting outcomes.”
While they work getting things up and running, they said, “We welcome ideas and feedback from the community. Your input helps shape our offerings and the town’s broader evolution, and we’re grateful for the conversations that make our project a shared journey.”
Looking ahead, the Tuckwillers view the launch of Wildwood Mercantile and Cafe Verte as just the beginning of their contribution to Ronceverte’s downtown revitalization. With the acquisition of the former Rexall building and plans for additional storefronts already in motion, the couple remains focused on a long-term vision for the neighborhood.
“Community engagement fuels our plan for the future,” Stout-Tuckwiller said. “We hope everyone is as excited as we are about the opportunities ahead for Ronceverte.”
As they finalize preparations for the April 25 grand opening, the owners continue to invite local residents to share their ideas via Instagram, ensuring the new venture grows in tandem with the town it serves.
