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.
DeleteOver-saturation of bars is a real, major issue impacting quality of life in our neighborhood.
DeleteImagine talking about neighborhood but then not supporting a small, community business
DeleteOh no, anything but liquor in the East Village...
Delete"Move to Utah if you have such an issue with alcohol, or just grow up."
DeleteIMHO, the "move to", "grow up", "get a lfe", "get a crip" lines, etc. are bogus and not acceptable at this blog no matter how sad the post is. They are rube lines.
It probably won’t be a problem noise wise but yes, the money will come from the alcohol sales and not from books. I don’t recall seeing the rent listed, but you’re not going to pay it by selling books.
Delete"Move to Utah if you have such an issue with alcohol, or just grow up." Typical response from someone who probably moved here from another state recently. Pathetic keyboard warrior.
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.
ReplyDeleteI love their mission and energy. What a great duo. A welcome find for our hood. Looking forward to their arrival.
ReplyDeleteSorry, we don't need another bar- wine, beer, books or otherwise on Avenue A. Open until midnight? No thanks. Having Barnes and Nobles across the street will benefit them? Don't see that happening. I'll still do my book buying at The Strand.
ReplyDeleteHave you considered moving to the UWS, where you can hate everything that is even slightly new in a large group? The 7/11 was open 24/7!
DeleteHooray for a multi generational woman owned business. Many blessings to them and hope their venture is successful.
ReplyDeleteAll you little crab apples need a hug.
A bookstore is fine but we could use more and better bars on upper Avenue A, and ones that open at 10 am and close at 4 am. Need more options for late-night and day drinkers.
ReplyDeleteHah!
DeleteBTW, the Blarney Cove closed at the end of June 2013. A post at JM's Vanishing NY blog from Laura on 6/3/2013.
"When I lived on 13th and A I walked past this bar every morning on the way to work - around 8:00am, and it was open: there were at least 8 guys in there."
Sob!
You've Got Mail the EV reboot
ReplyDeleteSo excited for more bookstores! Will definitely be patroning both.
ReplyDeleteYay for Bookstores and even beer and wine spots ( full bars is a convo for another thread or at a CB3 SLA Meeting ) and then family owned so this is a totally awesome add to the nabe more bookstores and people who read :) is part of the cure for at least some of the mishegas
ReplyDelete“Small bar”. Their application to the SLA says they will have a 34 foot bar with 34 seats. That’s a bar, not a bookstore. I guess time will tell but I understand why people in the impacted area would be nervous. The community has been burned many times by establishments saying they are one thing and then after a month they turn out to be something totally different.
ReplyDeleteThank you EVGrieve for clarifying the difference between beer & wine and a full liquor license. And that there is a "grandfather" situation with a previous full bar but that is not what they will be applying for..
ReplyDeleteThey were already approved for beer and wine, but their original concept included cocktails and live music. They were already in too deep when they found out they can't get full liquor because they are right next door to a full time Church as determines by the SLA. They also wanted to stay open until 2am. They were a cocktail lounge/wine bar masquerading as a bookstore. They had no concept of the nightmare North Ave A is with crowds going from place to place in search of their next drink. Now their concept is limited by their own lack of knowledge about what residents, CB 3 and the SLA would support. Oh they will have a full slate of cocktails just with wine and sake.
ReplyDeleteCorner locations in this 'hood are staggeringly expensive (Have been here 43 years and seen them climb). I don't hold out much hope for their success based on your comment, if accurate.
Delete