Beth and Josh Hart are the new owners of Chapters on Main Bookstore & Coffee Shop in Van Buren, Ark., KNWA reported. They have purchased the store from previous owner Alison Goodwin and will take over officially on June 28.
The store, located at 816 Main St., will close temporarily on Monday, June 29, while the Harts carry out some minor renovations and repairs. Aside from a new logo, some cosmetic changes, and the addition of around 150 new titles, the Harts do not plan to make any major changes to the bookstore and coffee shop. They will host a grand reopening celebration for the business on July 4.
"The books are staying," Bath Hart said. "The coffee is staying. We're simply giving the space a little refresh while keeping the heart and soul of what makes Chapters on Main such a special place."
Beth Hart worked as a marketing professional prior to buying the bookstore, while Josh Hart worked as a call center manager. Beth Hart was a longtime customer of the bookstore, and the pair actually had their first date at Chapters on Main in July 2025.
"A year ago, almost exactly, I went on a first date with this guy and we fell in love, got married very quickly and he fell in love with the place too," Beth Hart told KNWA. "She's passionate about books and I'm passionate about her," Josh Hart added.
Original owners Debbie and Alan Foliart founded the bookstore in 2016. In January 2023, they sold Chapters on Main to Alison Goodwin. The bookstore carries new and used titles for all ages, with a selection of rare titles. The coffee shop serves coffee, tea, and other specialty drinks.
"This bookstore has always been special to me," Hart said. "I grew up coming here, and now our family has the incredible opportunity to carry its story forward. We are honored that Alison has entrusted us with something that means so much to this community."