Stepping in to the shop, customers can smell the fresh coffee mingling with conversations. Each section of shelved book genres welcome readers with themed seating areas. Readers mingle with other as they sip on book-inspired drinks.
While this comforting space is still a few months away from opening, owner and author Elizabeth Roberts is excited to bring Lit Brews to life.
“I want to create an environment where people can have time for themselves, whether it’s 15 minutes, whether it’s three hours, I want people to feel comfortable,” Roberts said. “I want to make sure that we can have an awesome place for everyone to go.”
Lit Brews will be a coffee shop and bookstore, opening in the area of 50th Street and Indiana Ave. in late September. Roberts said documents are being finalized on the location, after which the exact address will be announced.
“I would say it’s a dream come true – it’s kind of a surreal experience,” Roberts said. “I’m super thrilled.”
Lit Brews will offer a variety of genres, including horror, mystery, crime, romance and possibly philosophy. Each genre’s section will have themed seating and decor to match.
“My plan right now is to put the bookshelves perpendicular to the wall, so there’s sections in between,” Roberts said. “The whole wall will be designed for that genre. There will be chairs, decorations, lamps, all in that genre. I’m super excited about it.”
The store will sell mostly new books, with a third of inventory being used books.
“It will be primarily be new books,” Roberts said. “I want to use both, because some people really like used books, how it tells its own story on what it’s been through and where it’s been in the hands that have read it.”
On the Brews side, the menu will include drinks and food. It will be have book-inspired names like Xaden’s Shadow Brew, which is a reference to the Fourth Wing series. There will be various flavors and options, including sugar- and gluten-free, coffees, teas, and baked goods.
Another part of the business will be events. Author events, especially for fellow independent authors, and book clubs will be classic offerings. Additional ideas include a poetry night, live music, bookings for cosplay photo shoots and local artist showcases.
“We want to support others, whether it be businesses or people in the community,” Roberts said. “I want to have local authors in there, getting their books out there, because, for one, I get it. I’m an indie author as well, and it’s hard to do it all by yourself, especially if you’re self-published.”
As business plans are coming together, Roberts also encouraged people to follow Lit Brews on Facebook and suggest ideas.
“I want to have other people part of our story,” Roberts said. “I want to make other people feel heard. My goal is for everybody to feel comfortable in there. Enjoy whatever it is that they enjoy, whether it’s the books, the coffee, whether it’s tea, whatever it is, I want there to be something for everybody.”
Lit Brews does have a website, litbrews.com, where people can sign up for updates and special offers, and watch the countdown to opening day. The shop can also be found on Instagram.
Alana Edgin writes about business for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip? Contact her via email at aedgin@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock author announces opening of coffee shop, bookstore
Reporting by Alana Edgin, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
