Alexander Durand: Mountain Table | PWV Podcast

Mountain Table: Crafting Community Through Coffee and Cuisine in Renick, West Virginia

Nestled in the small town of Renick, West Virginia, in the northern part of Greenbrier County, Mountain Table is far more than just a coffee roaster or a restaurant. It’s a hub for community, a place where stories are shared over carefully crafted cups of coffee and farm-to-table meals.

Alexander “Alex” Durand, along with his partners Nadine Centaville and Nicole Petulette, transformed a once-dive bar with a less-than-stellar reputation into a thriving business dedicated to sustainability, quality, and community engagement. What started as an opportunity to bring fresh-roasted coffee to Renick has blossomed into a business that serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

From Brewing Beer to Roasting Coffee

Alex, originally from Huntington, West Virginia, spent years in the brewing industry before transitioning into coffee roasting. He worked at Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company before it closed in its previous iteration, which led him to seek out new opportunities. Around the same time, a friend in Franklin, West Virginia, was getting out of the coffee roasting business and had a large production roaster available. The timing was serendipitous—the perfect building was up for sale in Renick, and the vision for Mountain Table began to take shape.

A Unique Coffee Experience

At its core, Mountain Table is an organic coffee roaster specializing in single-origin and custom blends. Their flagship offerings include:

Red Bandana – A Colombian roast named after an iconic symbol of West Virginia.
Sena Cachados – A bold, dark roast from Sumatra.
Stop and Smell the Sunflowers – A tribute to their mission to plant sunflowers around the business.
Fallen Jandarm – A blend named after a well-known rock formation at Seneca Rocks.

But what truly sets Mountain Table apart is its invitation for businesses and individuals to create their own custom coffee blends. Whether it’s a “Jim Roast” or a “Positively Roast,” customers can work alongside the team to craft a unique blend that tells their story.

More Than Coffee: A Culinary Destination

Mountain Table isn’t just about coffee—it’s also a farm-to-table restaurant that has been carefully evolving its offerings. Starting with their now-popular Tuesday suppers, they built a dedicated following by offering a different menu each week, featuring ingredients sourced from over 30 local producers. It’s an experience that draws 70 to 100 guests each week, reinforcing the business’s mission to foster community through food.

Expanding with Brunch

The latest exciting addition to Mountain Table is a Sunday brunch service. Rather than rushing into a full-service restaurant model, Alex and his team have taken a measured approach, ensuring they could deliver an experience that aligns with their values. The brunch will feature:

Buffet-style dining with limited seating every half hour to reduce waste.
Farm-fresh ingredients from local farmers and producers.
A cozy, unhurried atmosphere where guests can savor their meal and engage with their neighbors.

The first brunch, a soft launch for friends and family, is set to kick off in February, with the public invited to join in the following weeks.

Building a Business that Builds Community

Mountain Table is more than a coffee roaster or restaurant—it’s a place where people come together. Whether stopping in for a cup of custom-roasted coffee, sharing a farm-to-table meal, or simply enjoying the warm, welcoming environment, guests become part of something bigger.

Alex describes himself as the “Wakey Juice Pusher,” a fitting title for someone so passionate about coffee and its power to connect people. His journey from brewing beer to roasting coffee, combined with his team’s commitment to sustainability and community, has created something truly special in Renick.

As Mountain Table continues to grow, one thing remains constant: its dedication to fostering connections, celebrating local ingredients, and creating a space where everyone feels at home.

Farm-to-Table Excellence

At Mountain Table, farm-to-table isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life. They partner with local farmers and suppliers to bring the freshest, highest-quality ingredients straight to your plate. From hand-selected produce to locally sourced meats and dairy, every dish reflects a commitment to supporting the community while delivering an unforgettable dining experience. By prioritizing sustainability and seasonality, they ensure that every bite is as fresh and flavorful as possible.

Check out their menu and experience the difference: Mountain Table’s website.