Bobby and Angel Dobrow are selling Zenith Bookstore, Duluth, Minn., to store manager Sarah Brown.
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| Bobby and Angel Dobrow flank new owner Sarah Brown | |
The bookstore will change hands officially on February 11. Brown has served as store manager for more than four years and has worked at indie bookstores around the country for more than 20 years. The Dobrows said they will remain invested in the store's success in the months ahead and will do everything they can to assist Brown and her team.
"In passing the baton, we could not be happier that the store will be in the capable hands of someone with this background, and who is so devoted to the Duluth, and West Duluth, community," wrote the Dobrows in an announcement.
At the same time, they noted "some personal sadness for us because Zenith Bookstore has been our heart and soul for almost 10 years. When we bought the Central Avenue building and began construction in the summer of 2016, we never expected that we would literally 'strike gold'--not financially, but in the amazing community we found in West Duluth. The community, the customers, the readers, the local authors, the business partners, the neighbors, and our amazing staff--you have enriched our lives; and not a day has gone by that we have not appreciated and been grateful for this."
The Dobrows explained that they chose to sell the store due to changes in their personal lives. They wish to "spend more time with family, and experience what a 'real' retirement is supposed to be. We have no plans to leave Duluth--which we love!--but do intend to spend more time in the Cities with our children and grandchildren. The recent news that we have a granddaughter on the way was the 'final straw.' "
They said it was an honor to play such a large part in the West Duluth community, and wished to send "all our love, appreciation, and profound gratitude to our customers and community for supporting us throughout this remarkable journey."