The rumors are true. Lucy and Leo’s Cupcakery and The Bookshelf will soon be co-habitating in both Thomasville and Tallahassee. Though it’s not a traditional marriage, both parties are committed and will begin sharing space in early June.
"I've had a small biz crush on The Bookshelf since I stepped through the doors. I love the atmosphere, selection of products and sophisticated small town charm. I'm sad to lose our amazing roommate Textures, but I'm so excited to see an independent bookstore come to Midtown,” said Jean Bates, owner of Lucy and Leo’s.
“Jean proposed we move in together. I thought it was a little early, but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share space with one of our favorite Tallahasee businesses. So we said yes,” said Katie Chastain, owner of The Bookshelf.
The Bookshelf Midtown will open primarily as a kids book and educational toy store, with a smattering of independent bestsellers and periodicals. However, customers will be able to special order any of the millions of titles available in The Bookshelf’s warehouse.
“We think it’s important to at least give customers the opportunity to keep their book-buying dollars local by shopping at an independent store. If we see there is demand for more than just kids books, we would certainly be open to expanding. Most healthy college towns have a good independent bookstore and we don’t think Tallahassee should be left out,” Katie said.
Lucy and Leo’s co-owner Paula Lucas will be shuttling fresh cupcakes daily (Tuesday through Saturday) to Thomasville and will be on-site to fulfill all of Thomasville’s cupcake desires.
In Tallahassee, The Bookshelf will be moving in the space occupied by Textures Handmade Market. Textures owner Maggie Willman has promised to stay on board to bring Textures’ fresh, creative vibe to The Bookshelf Midtown. Textures customers won’t miss being welcomed by Maggie’s perfectly dimpled smile.
Joining Maggie in Midtown, will be book connoisseur Betsy Jones. Betsy’s extensive experience in working with children and literacy will mean some top-notch programming for Tallahassee. Be on the lookout for storytimes, the 2012 Summer Reading Olympics, and more.
“We love cupcakes. In fact, I have a number of books with pages that have been sweetened by cupcakes. Sure, [The Bookshelf manager] Carrie and I might gain a few extra cupcake pounds, but we are both willing to take that risk for the betterment of downtown Thomasville,” Katie said.
Though many have expressed eager anticipation of the additions in the respective communities, some skeptics believe the combination will have a devastating impact on both communities.
“Books rot your brain and cupcakes rot your teeth. I know they both look cute, but the last thing I want is a population of toothless, brainless yokels,” said Shug A. Hata, a professor of Health and Inhumane Services.
Nonetheless, The Bookshelf and Lucy and Leo’s have resolved to do their part in bringing more local business to Midtown Tallahassee and Downtown Thomasville in hopes that everyone lives happily ever after.
