WALLACE — If you’re scrambling for a last-minute holiday gift, one of Wallace’s most unique businesses has you covered. 

The Tin Snug, tucked near the corner of Bank and Seventh Street, isn’t your typical breakfast or lunch spot. It’s also not your average record store. It serves ice cream, beer, and coffee, too. Housed in an old funeral home, the Irish-themed shop leans into the darker side of things while staying festive and unmistakably Wallace. 

“We’d describe our shop as a mix of all of our favorite things,” owner Karie Cleveland said. “We’ve been described as ‘creepy,’ and that doesn’t bother us. It’s a unique experience here. The best compliment is when people say they feel like the Tin Snug was made just for them. We love when all of the details we put together resonate with them, and they love the whole experience.” 

Since August 2023, Cleveland has run the business with her husband, Brian, and their son, Alex, serving Silver Valley appetites, both edible and audible. 

Vinyl records have been spinning back into the spotlight over the past five years, reaching heights not seen since the 1980s. The revival is fueled by a craving for musical authenticity in a world dominated by streaming. Younger generations, especially those under 35, are driving the trend, with nearly half of vinyl buyers in that age group. The tactile experience of vinyl, paired with its sound quality and sense of nostalgia, makes it irresistible to collectors and new listeners alike. 

With Christmas less than a week away, a new record might be the perfect gift. 

“We think people appreciate that vinyl is a tangible form of music,” Karie said. “There’s nothing like picking out a new album, taking it home, and listening to it in its entirety. It’s about being intentional, holding the artwork in your hands, reading the liner notes, and listening to the music as the artist intended. For many people, there’s also a feeling of nostalgia. No one ever says, ‘The first song I streamed was…’ But everyone remembers their first record.” 

Of course, it’s always fun to learn the favorites of those who live and breathe vinyl, and the Clevelands don’t disappoint. 

For Karie, nothing beats James Taylor: Greatest Hits. 

“I listened to it when I was young and with our kids when they were young,” she said. “It never goes out of style.” 

For Alex, it’s one of his first records: 2013’s Like Clockwork from Queens of the Stone Age. 

Brian had a harder time narrowing it down. 

“Since you’ve asked, I’ve thought of 10 different answers,” Brian said. “I could’ve gone with Mad Season’s Above or Metallica’s Justice for All. Both perfect albums, bangers from beginning to end. But at this moment, I would say my all-time favorite is Tool’s Aenima, because it’s an album you can sit back, listen to the heavy riffs as simple ear candy. Or you can get into the technical musicianship, examine it lyrically, and pull out something deep and profound. You can put on this record at any point and not lift the needle until you’ve listened to the whole thing.” 

While vinyl leads the charge, physical media overall is making a comeback, and not just for listening. Creative repurposing is trending, with records, CDs and cassette tapes turning into bookends, coasters and wall art. 

During the holidays, the Tin Snug stays busy, embracing a Dickens-esque vibe. Not that the Clevelands are Scrooges, unless you count Scrooge after his change of heart. 

“Wallace is an incredible place year-round, but during the holidays it really shines,” Karie said. “There’s always something festive going on in town. The streets and shops are all decorated, and people truly embrace shopping local and supporting the businesses that are a part of the community here.” 

The Tin Snug, at 619 Bank St. in Wallace, serves breakfast, lunch, coffee, ice cream, cold beer and vinyl records Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Gift certificates are also available, perfect if you’re unsure of someone’s musical taste or taste buds. 

    The record area, located in the back of the Tin Snug, has something for fans of every musical genre.
  

    Alex Cleveland cooks some of the Tin Snug's popular breakfast potatos and eggs during the Thursday morning breakfast rush.