Photos and story by Stacie Joy
The owners behind the incoming Rabbit Books and Bar on Avenue A are introducing themselves to the neighborhood ahead of a targeted mid-July opening.
As previously reported, the bookstore-bar is taking over the former 7-Eleven space at 170 Avenue A on the SE corner of 11th Street.
Over the weekend, owners Marianna Vaidman Stone and her daughter, Emily Samara Stone, shared more about the project in an Instagram video detailing their backgrounds and how the idea for the business came together.
Marianna, who emigrated from the Soviet Union as a child, said owning a bookstore had been a longtime dream. Emily, meanwhile, worked in kitchens, bakeries and bars before teaming up with her mother on the concept.
They gave EVG a tour of the under-construction space yesterday.
"My daughter and I are super excited about opening our place soon," Marianna told EVG. "It's going to be a personal experience for customers. We're going to be in there all the time."
The two said they were drawn to the former 7-Eleven space because of its layout, large windows and corner location.
"When you know, you know," Emily said. "It felt good here. We could envision it. We're offering a third space."
Rabbit Books and Bar will include a small bar and space for book clubs and community gatherings centered around reading and conversation.
Marianna said the shop will also have a focus on international fiction and global stories.
The space is expected to open at 8 a.m. daily with coffee, tea, matcha and pastries, then transition into evening service with beer, wine, soju cocktails, and vermouth.
Hours are expected to run until midnight on weekends and 11 p.m. on weeknights.
And as for the news that Barnes & Noble is also opening across Avenue A later this year?
They were gracious in their responses.
"I’m glad that bookstores are having a resurgence," Marianna said. "More bookstores are good."
Emily added, "I think people want to consume in ways that are good for them, and we will welcome Barnes & Noble shoppers with open arms."
That will be difficult for B&N to compete with, they don't have drinks.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they'll have some leftover hotdog-flavored potato chips from the 7-11
ReplyDeleteThere are places like this in Tokyo but they’re more subject focused, like on photo books. They are unique places.
ReplyDeleteLove it!! Cannot wait!! Very excited to support them.
ReplyDeleteLongtime fan of Marianna and Emily (we met when Emily and my daughter were in preK at the 14th St Y together!) and I’m so excited for the Rabbit to hop into the nabe. Today’s EV, for good and ill, has people who wanna patronize Starbucks and people who support our many delightful independent coffeehouses; I hope the same will be true for bookshops. I miss Bluestockings and I love Book Club … and I agree that there’s room here for multiple indies with different vibes and identities.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to them! Small businesses are what make our neighborhood special. They have my support for a B&W license.
ReplyDeleteTough blow that B&N opening across the street. But, I promise to patronize this shoppe.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful idea - being a huge reader myself - I hope to support this venture in any way I am able..........
ReplyDeleteThis means yet another permanent liquor license on upper Ave A.
ReplyDeleteBeer-wine, not full liquor... and this address previously had a full liquor license when it was Bar on A for 17 years before 7-Eleven.
DeleteMove to Utah if you have such an issue with alcohol, or just grow up.
DeleteSo glad to hear that this is finally happening! I don't think the B&N is necessarily a blow - it's going to pull book lovers in large numbers to this corner and likely introduce them to Rabbit Books & Bar at the same time.
ReplyDeleteCongratulation! I’m sure it will be a great addition to te neighborhood! Fox Books (errrr… Barnes & Noble) be damned!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for this space to open in the EV! I think Barnes and Noble being across the street will actually benefit them.
ReplyDelete