It’s hard to believe, but it's been two weeks since we made the official announcement about the addition of a wine bar to our beloved bookstore, Bookish. The excitement has been amazing, and it’s been so heartwarming to see the reactions from our community. But naturally, a lot of people have been asking, What sparked this idea? Great question!

So, let’s rewind a bit to answer that.

Why a Wine Bar?

When people think of a bookstore, they often imagine a cozy little coffee shop tucked away inside—something familiar, comforting, and popular. But we wanted to take things a step further and do something that would make us stand out. Something different. Something special.

I’ll be honest: I LOVE wine. And not just the drink itself, but the experience that comes with it. I love the idea of creating a space where you can unwind, relax, and indulge a little. But more than that, I wanted a place where people could come together, escape the hustle of life, and just enjoy the simple pleasure of good conversation, a good drink, and a great book.

And that’s where the wine bar idea was born.

We wanted to create a spot that’s not just for book lovers, but for those looking for an escape—a place where you can come in after a long week, kick your feet up, and enjoy a glass of wine without the pressures of a regular bar scene. Because let’s face it, after a long weekend of being a mom, or a busy workday, the last thing you want is to go to a crowded bar where you're going to be hit on by some creepy guy. At Bookish, that's just not the vibe.

Instead, what we offer is a space where you can enjoy the company of your friends or even strike up a conversation with a stranger at the bar, talk about books, and laugh about life. Our team is passionate about what they do—and, believe me, they love talking about books as much as you do. You can sit down, relax, and talk shop (or not) over a glass of wine, all while feeling like you're in a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space.

Bringing the Vision to Life

Now that we’re a couple of weeks in, I can honestly say that watching the vision come to life has been one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. Sometimes I’ll just stand back and watch everything unfold. It's surreal seeing all these organic conversations happening—people talking, laughing, and actually connecting—without anyone glued to their phones.

To me, that’s the magic of what we’ve created here. A space where technology takes a backseat and real, human connections take center stage. You know, conversations that go beyond the surface level—those kinds of connections are what make Bookish such a special place.

Taking Risks: Pink Branding, Wine, and All

I won’t sugarcoat it. This has been a risky endeavor from the start. Our brand has always been intentionally bold. The pink accents. The feminine, girly vibe. It’s a bit out there, but we’ve always wanted Bookish to stand out and break away from the typical bookstore mold. So, adding a wine bar just seemed like the natural next step.

But that doesn’t mean it was easy. Far from it. In fact, I’d be lying if I said the process was smooth sailing. We started this journey back in April 2024, and here we are in February 2025, finally getting everything settled with the wine bar. It’s been an overwhelming process, especially since I don’t come from the food and drink industry, but I can honestly say it’s been worth every hurdle we’ve crossed.

And now that we’ve made it to this point, I couldn’t be happier. The hard work has paid off, and the feedback we’ve received has been nothing short of amazing.

What’s Next?

The wine bar at Bookish is more than just a place to grab a drink—it’s a space for connection, conversation, and community. It’s a place for book lovers, wine lovers, and anyone who just needs a little break from the chaos of life.

So, if you haven’t already, come on in, grab a glass, and join the conversation. I can’t wait to see where this new chapter takes us!

Until next time, cheers to books, bubbly, and everything in between.

— Jenny Kelley, Owner