Bookmark This Bar, which will feature themed cocktails as well as "a carefully curated selection of new and used books, with a special focus on romantasy and psychological thrillers," hosted a pop-up event December 6 and will open soon at 711 N. Pine St. in Rolla, Mo.
At the pop-up event, co-owners Ryan and Jamie Cheek "shared their plans and welcomed visitors to see the developments," Phelps County Focus reported, adding that they anticipate the space will be ready for its grand opening in February.
The business is planning to host book clubs and reading-themed events. "It was really important when we started this adventure that we be on Pine Street," said Jamie Cheek. "The main street is really where a community grows, and so for us, it was Pine Street or bust."
The Cheeks moved to Rolla from Utah three years ago. Jamie Cheeks said her love of reading and desire to create a positive community space inspired the "boozy bookstore" concept: "One of the things that was important to us is creating something different, something unique. What I want to be able to do is when a customer comes in, that I can have knowledgeable conversations about books that they like to read, or different kinds of concepts, because I want to make sure if I make a recommendation, it's something that they're going to enjoy."
The owners are working with a contractor to complete improvements on the space, including 10-foot-tall bookshelves and a custom bar, and will continue to offer pop-up events.
"It's a 125-year-old building and was renovated before we purchased it, so a lot of the really hard work had already been done for us, which was magical," Jamie Cheek said. "Now we just have to do fine tweaking, which I think makes it a little bit easier and helps us move this process a little bit faster. It does have an Airbnb attached to it, so there's an outside door and we've made that bookish themed as well. We call it 'The Bookend,' and so you can have a little bookstore experience up there, but then also come downstairs and have a drink if you want one."
She added that already the community's "enthusiasm has far surpassed my wildest dreams. It's been a wild ride... People are so excited."