BestCellar Book Bar will open next summer in the new Main Center building at 9560 Main St., Suites 2 and 3, in Clarence, N.Y. Devon Powers, co-owner with her father, Peter Powers, wrote on social media last week: "Some exciting news!! I'm happy to announce that I'm opening a bookstore bar in Clarence, N.Y. called BestCellar Book Bar! A place to go to buy a book, read with a drink in your hand, gather with friends or hold your book club meetings. Doors are set to open June 2024. I hope to see everyone there!"
She told WGRZ: "It's just been so validating. I've read everybody's comments and it's so nice to see that this is what people want in the community.... I've always wanted to have a bookstore; my dad who's going into retirement has always wanted to have a bookstore; so it was a really neat concept of bringing two things together that people love."
The build-out of the space is currently underway. "In the back there's going to be a private space where people can actually reserve if they want to rent out a space for their book club. It's going to be free," Powers said.
Developer Paul Stephen II noted that the storefront was one of the last available in the mixed-use building, which has become a hub of primarily women-owned small businesses. "In this building, it's close to 90%," he said. "I think 10 of the 12 businesses are actually women-owned, which is kind of remarkable when you think about it. I think it's a testament to the people of Clarence and the surrounding areas and the small business owners that we cater to."
Powers added: "It just fits right in with the embroidery shop, and the coffee and the salon. We just feel right at home here. It's a good fit and for it to be prominently women-owned businesses it's amazing. It's the first business I've ever run and everybody's been so welcoming already that it's exciting to move in here."