“When you step in, you’re in a different world!”
So promises Nicholas “Nick” Bennet, a born-and-raised son of Little Falls who started the new year with “a dream come true,” opening his book shop – Athenix Books & Brews – on Jan. 2 in his hometown.
But, tempts Bennett, Athenix Books & Brews – a/k/a “The Keep” – is “not just a bookstore.”
“You walk in and you feel like you’re walking into the world of Harry Potter: books everywhere, foliage everywhere, medieval music playing in the background; it feels like a fantasy world,” Bennett described. “It’s one of those things you just have to experience in person.”
And people have been doing just that. Bennett shared that eclectic new book shop at 624 E. Main Street had sold over 1,200 books in their first 10 days to customers and “Keep”-creepers from “everywhere.”
Further to his Little Falls neighbors, Bennett has welcomed book browsers from Utica and New Hartford ways to as far as Philadelphia.
“It’s been crazy,” said Bennett. “The people I’ve gotten to meet and talk to … it’s been amazing.”
Bennett is quick to clarify that while he is a Harry Potter and fantasy genre fan, which inspired the decor, the motif, the vibe of the shop – because he wanted to “build something (he) loves” – the shop sells both new and used books in all genres, with special sections devoted to local authors and kids lit.
Book shop ‘keeper’ Bennett’s mini-bio
Bennett, the 22 year-old father of two who, upon the grand opening of Athenix, now owns and operates two local small businesses – is not only not ashamed, but open about choosing to drop out of Little Falls High School before graduating.
“I’m a 22 year-old drop out who started a detailing company after other businesses failed,” said Bennett. “I got success from that and now I’ve started a bookstore…my dream.”
Bennett shares that chapter in his own story hoping to inspire other teenagers and young adults, “kids (his) own age,” who may have chosen a different path or want to, but are unsure of where that leads?
“I dropped out of high school at 17,” said Bennett as if to a 17-year-old out there who finds themselves where he was at that age. “Now I’m 22 years old, I own my own businesses, and I’m doing good.”
Why a bookstore? Why Little Falls? Why Athenix?
Bennett sees books as “an escape from reality, in a way,” believing that “escape” that reading books invites is “one of the best things you can have, especially in modern day when it’s all about tech.”
“I’ve always dreamed of having my own bookstore as well as a cafe,” shared Bennett.
Bennett teased that the “Brews” promised in his shop’s shingle will consist of coffee, tea, and other beverages to be served in that cafe he’s also always dreamed of having as his own. It will be opening in the space adjacent to the bookstore with an open-concept connection so visitors can flow easily between the spaces.
As for his shop’s digs on the main drag in his hometown, Bennett says simply, “I wanted to do something in my hometown … for my hometown.”
Bennett’s naming strategy was personal by design. He is dad to 4-year-old Athena and 2-year-old Nixi. The moniker is thus a mix of “Athe” and “Nix.”
“I wanted the cafe and bookstore to be very personal to me,” said Bennett, “and what’s more personal than naming it after your kids.”
Not just a bookstore … what else?
When queried about whether what’s next is a deep dive on building the bookstore/cafe or the next dream come true? Bennett said, “both.”
“I’m looking forward to trying to build and expand Athenix while also looking forward to the next venture,” said Bennett. “What else can I bring to Little Falls? “
When pressed to posit what “else” might be, Bennett shared that he like to start his own local non-profit.”
“There are a lot of people in need,” said Bennett. “I just want to be able to help everyone.”
As for building and expanding the bookstore, Bennett is already selling fantasy-themed merchandise and other goods, including jewelry, candles, crystals, mugs, ‘Little Falls’ promo products, and t-shirts – a line in fact, with a new imprint each month. The tee of this inaugural month is “Just One More Chapter – Athenix Est. 2026.”
Athenix also offers a “The Keep” – a homage to Harry Potter fans – Members Only option. For $18 per month, “Keep” members enjoy discounts such as BOGO 50% off for new books, BOGO free for used books, as well as other “membership has its privileges” perks.
“People are saying they’re already saving hundreds of dollars,” Bennett promoted.
Athenix has a section dedicated to local authors and two sections just for kids, one featuring new books and the other used.
Once the cafe opens, possibly this spring, Bennett also plans to exploit the space by hosting events 4 times per week, which will include a weekly story hour for kids.
Said Bennett, “my mom wants to host that!”
In sum, as Bennett proclaims, “there’s something for everyone.”
An independent bookstore
“There are barely any independent neighborhood bookstores left out there,” said Bennett. “That’s exactly why I think we’ve gotten the response we have.”
“It comes down to this,” summed Bennett for folks considering a visit to “the Keep,” “This isn’t just a bookstore, it’s an experience, something everyone should visit at least once. I think it will blow your mind. At least that’s what everyone is telling me?”
And Bennett makes visiting Athenix Books & Brews, at least once, as easy as possible by being open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Follow ‘Athenix Books & Brews’ on Facebook and Instagram for updates and events.
Bennett is open and excited about growing to the business at his bookstore, while humble about the community’s response to his dream come true.
Said Bennett, “it’s been phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal.”
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Athenix Books & Brews opens on E. Main Street in Little Falls
Reporting by Cara Dolan Berry, Utica Observer Dispatch / Observer-Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
