Vintique 406 Breathes New Life Into Johnnie Cafe Building

Kevin James and Amanda Sergeant are developing a new store, Vintique 406, in the long vacant building that once housed Johnnie Cafe. The two entrepreneurs are starting something new while still giving a nod to the history of Glasgow's Front Street. The couple's plan plays perfectly into their business model of up-cycled, refinished vintage furniture, home decor and antiques. Along with the recent appearance of Shippwrecked (next to Oasis at 527 5th Street S.), we seem to be experiencing a minor trend of stylish entrepreneurs reclaiming found gems and retro goods.

One prominent throwback will be on display right on the wall at the James/Sergeant venture. The neon sign that once adorned the outside of the building has been returned to its home and will be hung inside permanently, along with other relics from Johnnie's long and storied history.

Up-cycling furniture is all part of Sergeant's desire to have nice things on a K-Mart budget for sale in the store. She first began fixing up items and reselling them on social media to area bargain hunters. James lends his own skills to repurposing items in interesting ways, such as turning the tailgates of old pickup trucks into benches. Realizing there was a demand, they decided that the next step was acquiring retail space. The old Johnnie Cafe was a perfect fit. Once a staple in Glasgow, the place has tons of history and fits perfectly into the couple's philosophy of repurposing.

Although the grand opening at Vintique 406 is still at least a month a way, they have already began to utilize the space, offering classes on painting and refinishing furniture. James is also interested in purchasing old Johnnie memorabilia, or simply putting it on display if your aren't willing to part with it. If you have anything that would fit, or are interested in classes, please call Sergeant at 263-7794 or James at 230-1536.