Calling all lovers of literature! Niche Book Bar will be your newest go-to indie bookstore for all things romance and sci-fi to mysteries and cooking.
With a focus on Black literature and authors, Niche Book Bar is providing representation to Milwaukee readers in every genre and helping to revitalize the draw to MLK Drive.
Niche Book Bar’s owner, Cetonia Weston, has created a welcoming space for readers to find their new favorite book, enjoy a drink, and find community.
Through lots of resiliency, Niche Book Bar has turned from a book bike into a brick-and-mortar book shop ready to add to your growing TBR pile (iykyk). Dive into our Q&A to learn more!
How did Niche Book Bar get its start and what is your background?
I’m an author and a lifelong reader, my background is in psychology and the whole thing actually started with a tweet about my “utopia” as I sat with a book and a glass of wine and morphed into me deciding to go for building that utopian space that I would love to be.
How long have you been in business?
I officially incorporated in 2020, so I’ve been at this for about five years now. It’s been a steady evolution from pedaling that book bike around town to finally opening the doors of my permanent home in Bronzeville.
Have you faced any major challenges with growing your business or any triumph stories?
Renovating a historic building was a huge hurdle that took a lot longer than expected, made worse by negative contracting experiences but finally seeing the “Open” sign in my window was a triumph. Navigating the pandemic as a new business was tough, but it actually pushed me to be more creative with the book bike and pop-ups.
What is Niche Book Bar, and why did you feel it would be a good fit in Milwaukee?
Niche Book Bar is a bookstore and wine bar that focuses on the full spectrum of Black literature, from sci-fi to romance. It is a third space. I think the real question for me is why not here? I am here, I love the history of bronzeville and its architecture.
What’s the mission behind Niche Book Bar?
The mission is all about highlighting the diversity of Black authors and stories beyond just trauma narratives. I want to provide a curated experience where great books meet great wine, creating a community hub that celebrates our creativity.
What is it like being a small business in MKE?
It’s a journey of resilience or maybe it is stubborness, There are a lot of hurdles, societal, personal, and local. Now is not an easy time to be a small business, but there is something I love about following this dream and the community support of people and other businesses alike.
What do you like about being in Milwaukee?
I love the ingenuity I see. I like that its a smaller city with a lot of varying personalities. There’s a real energy in the city right now, especially in neighborhoods like Bronzeville, and it’s exciting to be right in the middle of it.
What’s your favorite part about what you’re doing?
My favorite part is definitely the “matchmaking” aspect, helping someone find a book and seeing their excitement. I also love creating a space where people feel comfortable enough to stay a while, sip some wine, and just exist. I love when people come and sit and when discussion and debate happens.
What can people expect when going to Niche Book Bar?
You can expect a warm, “living room” vibe with shelves stocked of incredible Black-authored books you won’t find everywhere else. Whether you’re here for a coffee, a glass of wine, or a book club, it’s a place to slow down and feel inspired.
Anything else we should know about your business or any favorite stories?
I’m just really proud to be part of the revival of MLK Drive and to keep the history of this area alive. It’s not a story really, though my imagination created one from it. I had teenagers come in for a date, they played scrabble and ate and drank lemonade. He seemed nervous and they both seemed sweet and looked like they dressed up for one another. It was wholesome and it filled my heart. I want to see so many more things here that fill my heart.