Friends to Lovers in Alexandria, Va., has officially reopened in its new home, FOX 5, Washington, D.C., reported.
The romance bookstore, which suffered a devastating fire just days after opening in its original location back in November, now resides at 301 Cameron St. The new space is larger than the original, and owner Jamie Fortin and her team held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday morning. A book launch followed on Wednesday night, and the store held the first part of a grand opening party Thursday evening. The second part of that celebration was held Friday.
"It was really hard but you know, the community really rallied around us and I'm so excited we're able to open less than six months later," Fortin told FOX.
Following the fire, Fortin launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the bookstore that has raised more than $46,000. Over the winter, the bookstore operated out of a temporary space at 108 N. St. Asaph St., above Wine Gallery 108.
"I am so honored that I had the trust of the community and that people really wanted this space as much as I knew that we needed it," Fortin said. "And so I'm excited to bring it to everybody."