Bright Side Books & Wine romance bookstore and wine bar will open this fall in Raleigh, N.C., in a commercial space at Kane Realty's Platform apartment complex on West Cabarrus Street. RALtoday reported that the new business, owned by Susannah Baird, "promises a community space in addition to a space for local and independent authors to thrive."
Baird, who has raised more than $50,000 through a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the business, describes herself as "an avid romance reader, small business owner, and lover of getting lost in a good book. For years, I dreamed of a place where love stories take center stage. A cozy, inviting space where readers can sip wine, browse shelves full of happily-ever-afters, and connect with others who believe in the power of a good book and a better ending."
On the Kickstarter page, she noted that Bright Side Books & Wine will be "a bright, comfortable space filled with curated romance reads (especially indie authors and local favorites), cozy seating, thoughtful wine pairings, and room to gather, browse, and belong. It's the kind of place where you lose track of time--and maybe find a new favorite author or a new friend."
She plans to host book clubs, author events, trivia nights, page-turner paint nights, along with "dreamy themed celebrations like 'Enemies to Lovers Night' or 'Cozy Season Kickoff,' plus local food and wine pairings to make every visit feel like a special occasion."
Money raised from the Kickstarter will go toward the final construction costs and opening inventory, "two of the biggest investments we need to bring this dream across the finish line. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to a space filled with books, joy, and connection," Baird wrote.