Book & Bar, Portsmouth, N.H., "a downtown hub for book browsers, budding poets and musicians from near and far," will close January 28 after 12 years in business, the Portsmouth Herald reported. Owner Dave Pelletier, who bought the business in 2017 from founders Jon Strymish, John Petrovato, and David Lovelace, plans to keep his long-term lease in place and take time to consider the future for the commercial unit in the historic Custom House. Pelletier is also the co-founder and co-owner of Margaritas Mexican Restaurant in the city.
"The goal was to have fun, show people a good place and support the arts," he said. "It was a challenge learning the book business. That's an additional facet to it. Selling books, dining, entertainment--it was quite a feat to be able to do that for 12 years between my people and the previous owners. There was a lot of joy in it.
"It's been a lot of fun. With any business there are challenges but there's a lot of joy in it, too. But it's time to move on," Pelletier continued. "At the end of the day I feel really good about what we've done. It's sad to have people be sad, but there's a lot of joy in hearing all their appreciation. I feel like we were successful for 12 years."
Although the Custom House building is currently for sale, Pelletier said the timing of Book & Bar's impending closure is coincidental. "I enjoy having that space," he said of his lease. "I'm going to probably entertain whatever possibilities come down the road, but right now it's the middle of winter, and I'm going to take a break."
A closing announcement on the business' website noted: "For over a decade Book & Bar has been more than a business; it has been a home away from home for so many people: readers, writers, thinkers, drinkers, poets, and performers. We've played host to people from every corner of the world and from all walks of life: for their celebrations and ceremonies, tributes and tribulations, milestones and memories. In short, it's been a wild and wonderful run."