The Rabbit Books and Bar is slated to open in New York City's East Village this summer, EV Grieve reported. Located at 170 Avenue A, the Rabbit Books and Bar will highlight international literature and titles from around the world. The bar side of the business will function as a cafe during the day, selling coffee, tea, and matcha, before serving beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks in the evenings. Food offerings will include pastries, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and desserts.
Owners and mother-daughter team Marianna Vaidman Stone and Emily Samara Stone plan to host book clubs and other community events. Marianna Stone, who was born in the Soviet Union and came to the U.S. as a child, told EV Grieve she's always dreamed of opening a bookstore. Emily Stone, meanwhile, has experience in food service and hospitality.
"My daughter and I are super excited about opening our place soon," Marianna Stone said. "It's going to be a personal experience for customers. We're going to be in there all the time."
The Stones were immediately drawn to the space at 170 Avenue A, which is situated on a corner and previously housed a 7-Eleven. It spans 2,684 square feet and, between the bar and tables, will have a total of 34 seats.
"When you know, you know," Emily Stone said. "It felt good here. We could envision it. We're offering a third space."
In their application for a beer, wine, and cider license, they wrote that the bookstore is "inspired by Parisian book cafes that are gathering places for guests who want to participate in intelligent conversations about history, current events and great works of literature past and present."
The owners are aiming for a mid-July opening.