Support DeKalb's New Horror Coffee Space

Have you ever wanted a horror movie night to feel like an experience—not just another scroll through a streaming platform? The problem is, physical video rental culture is dead, and with it, the magic of browsing through eerie cover art, discovering hidden horror gems, and making it a real event.

That’s where I Know What You Rented Last Summer comes in.

We’re reviving the horror movie rental experience—offering a physical rental shop that blends cult horror films, horror-themed merchandise, and a coffee shop under one roof. Think blockbuster nostalgia meets local haunt. And it doesn’t stop there—we’re building a horror-lover’s hub, hosting events, screenings, and supporting indie horror creators with shelf space and community exposure.

We’ve just launched our website, are actively crowdfunding, and currently scouting for our first haunted home.

So if you’re ready to back a business that brings horror fans together and turns nostalgia into a thriving local experience—we want you on this scream-worthy journey.

Annie and Wally are from TN and moved to Northern IL in 2024. They soon realized Dekalb had a huge need for a genuine coffee shop that was easily accessible to the masses and welcoming to all. They used their love for horror to create I Know What You Rented last summer: a horror themed coffee shop, horror movie rental/sales, and a horror themed art market. They wanted to create a space that was tolerant and safe for everyone; and a place that fills that nostalgia craving that all millennials have.

​

Annie has been a lover of horror for as long as she can remember. This drove her to her apprenticeship at Nashville Nightmare and Von Grim Productions where she worked in the Sfx department creating molds, prosthetics, and repairing props. She also has a bachelors in costume and sfx makeup from Savannah College of art and design (Scad). She is currently working on a mfa at scad for illustration, where her thesis is creating a horror based/alternative holiday merchandise line for spooky folk. She also currently owns a creative illustration business called misfit hollow co. Some of her patterns can be seen as the backgrounds on this website. Her current style is influenced by goosebumps which was her favorite show and book series growing up.

​

Wally has loved horror ever since he and his older sister would watch all of the grudges, blaire witch project, and the ring together when they were younger. He has a decade of experience in video/film production where he worked on several productions for Netflix, oxygen, usa, and multiple other large productions. he recently made the dive into digital marketing 3 years ago. He also has a Bachelors in Video/Film production, masters in entertainment business, masters in digital marketing, and is currently working on a masters in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Website: https://www.iknowwhatyourentedlastsummer.com/