Bright Side Books & Wine celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting on April 25, Independent Bookstore Day, at 600 W. Cabarrus St., Suite 107 in Raleigh, N.C. The bookstore, owned by Susannah Baird, posted: "Saying it was a perfect weekend doesn't even begin to cover it. We are so incredibly thankful for all of the amazing authors & vendors who came out to celebrate with us. And of course, thank you to everyone who showed up, supported us, and walked through these doors for the very first time. That meant everything. We're home."
Located in the Platform development in the city's West End, Bright Side Books & Wine will highlight the romance genre and offer a comfortable space for readers to shop and hang out, the News & Observer reported. The store eventually will serve wine but doesn't yet have its license and will offer non-alcoholic beverages in the interim.
A version of the store, called the Prologue, started operating on a temporary basis at 207 S. West St. last November, serving as a retail and event space for book clubs, author visits and other events. The Prologue closed earlier this month ahead of Bright Side's grand opening.
On the bookstore's website, Baird noted that she "dreamed of a place where love stories take center stage. A cozy, inviting space where readers can sip wine, browse shelves full of happily-ever-afters, and connect with others who believe in the power of a good book and a better ending.
"Bright Side started as a quiet idea during a heart-to-heart with a close friend, but like all the best love stories, it grew. What began as a personal wish became a shared vision--one I knew I had to bring to life not just for myself, but for everyone who's ever searched a bookstore's sparse romance section and thought, 'Where's the good stuff?' "