Athenix Books & Brews, offering a selection of new and used titles, has opened recently at 624 E. Main St. in Little Falls, N.Y. WKTV reported that owner Nicholas Bennett named the shop by merging his daughters' names, Athena and Nixi.
Since the bookshop's January 2 launch, "the community has warmly welcomed the bookstore, with over 350 visitors braving the cold during the opening weekend to support this new venture," WKTV noted, adding that Bennett's focus is on creating a unique experience for visitors.
"You walk in here, you're walking into an experience. It's called The World of Athenix," he said.
Athenix Books & Brews features monthly showcases of local artists, and Bennett plans to introduce a café in March, serving a variety of coffees, teas, smoothies, and juices. He has partnered with local roasters to let customers choose the coffee that will be served at the café.
Bennett's vision "is to create a social hangout in Little Falls, a place he has always considered home," WKTV wrote, noting that he describes the city as a "hidden gem" that more people need to discover. His wants his shop "to become a community staple, attracting visitors from far and wide, and Bennett hopes it will evolve into a destination for both locals and tourists."
"It's not just a bookstore. It's an experience," he said. "I want to make sure everybody leaves happy."