The Hangout Reimagines California Community Beyond Bars And Restaurants

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — In a small Russian River community known for bars, restaurants, and summer tourism, entrepreneur is betting one of west Sonoma County's biggest needs isn't another place to eat or drink, but somewhere people can simply spend time together.

The new business, The Hangout on Highway 116, uses private event rentals to pay the bills while inviting neighbors to gather free of charge the rest of the week.

It isn't quite a café, bookstore, co-working space, or community center, although the woman behind it, Cassidy Johnston, said all remain possibilities as she continues asking residents what they want the space to become.

In the meantime, visitors can bring their own food and nonalcoholic drinks, settle in among the property's mix of patio tables, shaded seating areas, and outdoor lounge furniture with a book, board game, or laptop — and stay as long as they like without being expected to make a purchase.

After moving to Monte Rio in 2024 (by way of several geographic steps in between) to help open an inn, Johnston spent more than a year working in hospitality before taking a position in events and sales at The Barlow in Sebastopol.

That experience inspired the idea for a venue that combines private event rentals with a free community gathering space.

"I wanted something that matched my values," said Johnston, who calls herself a owner, event Planner, and nostalgia curator.

"I wanted to add something valuable to this community," she told Patch.

The indoor, 30-by-30 foot building still painted with rainbows and retro 1980s roller disco fonts previously housed Localish, a retail shop selling handmade and artisan goods from local makers.

But Johnston said she wanted to build something centered on community gathering rather than primarily selling merchandise.

Her solution was to create a business with two purposes. Private rentals for birthdays, baby showers, rehearsal dinners, micro weddings, and other celebrations provide the revenue needed to keep the doors open.

Between events, the property becomes a place where neighbors can read, play board games, work remotely using Wi-Fi, meet friends, or simply relax.

The Hangout prepared for a private party includes a patio partially in view to the left. (Paul C. Miller/Cassidy Johnston)

The "Great Good Place"

The idea is rooted in what sociologists call a "third place" — a gathering spot that is neither home nor work, where people can meet without needing a formal reason or agenda.

The concept was popularized by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book The Great Good Place.

Oldenburg argued that healthy communities depend on informal gathering spots such as cafés, coffeehouses, bookstores, barber shops, neighborhood pubs, and other everyday hangouts where conversation and relationships flourish outside home and work.

Many of those places had gradually disappeared in the United States, contributing to greater social isolation, according to Oldenburg.

Johnston believes west Sonoma County has room for a local version of that idea.

She said the Wine Country region offers no shortage of upscale wineries, restaurants, and event venues, but fewer affordable places where residents can simply gather.

The Hangout can host private events for up to about 50 guests, offering an alternative for families and couples looking for smaller celebrations without the price tag often associated with Wine Country venues.

Community programming has become the second half of the business.

The venue's June grand opening featured live music, crafts, and family activities. Upcoming events include a NIA movement class, a "Not an Artist" community art show with creative workshops, an open mic presented by Secret Song Club, and a River Day gathering organized with Petaluma's Block Party Network. Most programs are free, donation-based, or offered on a sliding scale to keep them accessible.

Johnston hopes to expand indoor programming this fall and has been asking residents what they would like to see inside the building that fits about 20-25 people.

Suggestions have included workshops, classes, a coffeehouse, a used bookstore, a co-working space, and even a neighborhood gym. She said opening a café remains a long-term goal if she can find investors.

Social Habits, Budgets

Johnston's idea arrives as Americans increasingly say they prefer spending money on experiences rather than possessions. Yet many of those experiences — from winery tastings and specialty coffee to curated weekend getaways — have themselves become products carrying premium prices that can make everyday socializing expensive.

She said The Hangout reflects changing social habits, particularly among younger generations who increasingly want opportunities to gather without alcohol taking center stage.

"I think more and more people want to gather and be together where alcohol isn't the focus," Johnston said.

The venue's business model reflects that philosophy. Community members can spend the day reading in a hammock, working on a laptop, playing chess or board games, writing, or meeting friends without buying a meal or drink. Johnston said the private events make that possible.

She also sees the project as part of a broader effort to strengthen west Sonoma County's year-round economy.

Johnston said winter flooding often discourages visitors even though the disruptions are usually brief, while ongoing construction along River Road has made travel to communities such as Duncan's Mills more difficult. She hopes people continue exploring the Russian River area beyond the busy summer months and support locally owned businesses throughout the region.

The After Hours is a recurring column, written by Patch Editor Angela Woodall, where she will share her opinions on all things that happen after hours. The opinions expressed are her own. But The After Hours welcomes you to share interesting places and people with the Patch community. Email suggestions, ideas, and photos to angela.woodall@patch.com.