About Us

We’re so excited to have you here—your support means everything to us!

Bookish Cafe Orlando was founded in March 2024 as a one-of-a-kind independent bookstore and soon-to-be coffee shop, where a shared love for fantasy and thrillers brings readers together. Our goal is to create an immersive experience that celebrates all things bookish—a space where you can unapologetically embrace your passions and form lasting literary friendships.

Our journey is driven by the incredible support of the bookish community, along with partnerships with indie authors and small businesses. Join us in building something magical. Escape into adventure, sip on suspense. Thank you for being part of our story!

What are we today?

At Bookish Cafe Orlando, we are already bringing book lovers together by creating spaces where readers can connect, celebrate their favorite stories, and build a vibrant literary community. Through themed events, book clubs, and pop-up gatherings, we provide a welcoming environment for people to share their love of books. Our mission goes beyond selling coffee and books—we are dedicated to fostering meaningful conversations, supporting indie authors and artists, and making every reader feel at home. Now, we’re ready to take the next step: creating a permanent space where our community can gather, unwind, and immerse themselves in the magic of storytelling every day.

Market Size & Opportunity

The demand for unique, experience-driven coffee shops and bookstores is on the rise, and Bookish Cafe Orlando is perfectly positioned to thrive in this growing market.

• The Coffee Industry: The U.S. coffee market is valued at over $100 billion, with specialty coffee making up a significant portion. Consumers are seeking high-quality, ethically sourced coffee in inviting, community-focused spaces—just like the one we’re creating.
• The Book Industry: The publishing industry continues to grow, with fantasy and thriller genres among the best-selling categories. Independent bookstores are experiencing a resurgence, with readers prioritizing personalized experiences and curated selections over big-box retailers.
• Orlando’s Tourism & Local Community: Orlando welcomes over 74 million visitors annually, many of whom seek unique experiences beyond theme parks. Additionally, Winter Garden has a strong local community that values small businesses, arts, and culture—making it an ideal location for a bookish cafe.

Why Now? The combination of rising interest in immersive coffee experiences, the continued growth of the book industry, and the need for more social gathering spaces makes this the perfect time to launch Bookish Cafe Orlando.

With your support, we can create a one-of-a-kind destination that brings readers, writers, and coffee lovers together in a space that inspires and delights.

Why We Need Your Help?

We are launching this Kickstarter to secure a physical space for Bookish Cafe Orlando. To make this dream a reality, we need to raise $100,000. These funds will go toward:

• Lease & Renovations – Covering the three months requested by the owner plus a year’s worth of rent. This will allow us to transform a space into the cozy, bookish retreat we envision.

• Furniture & Decor – Covering bookshelves, seating areas, a back-of-house space for our employees, and a beautifully designed coffee bar. We are also commissioning local carpenters and artists to bring the space to life.

• Coffee & Equipment – Ensuring top-tier brews with high-quality machines, including a professional espresso machine, coffee grinder, brewing equipment, and all necessary accessories for a full-service café experience.

• Inventory – Stocking our shelves exclusively with fantasy and thriller books. This will also include all the unique items we carry, such as stickers, candles, and clothing.

• Permits & Legal Costs – Covering the necessary permits required to operate in Winter Garden, FL, including health and safety certifications, food and beverage licenses, and business operation permits.

Thank You from the Bottom of Our Bookish Hearts

Your support means the world to us.

Bookish Cafe Orlando is more than just a coffee shop and bookstore—it’s a dream built on a love for stories, community, and the magic that happens when book lovers come together. Whether you’ve contributed by pledging, sharing our campaign, or simply believing in our vision, you are now part of our story.

With your help, we’re creating a space where readers can escape into adventure, sip in suspense, and forge lasting connections over their favorite books. Every dollar pledged, every kind word shared, and every bit of encouragement fuels this dream and brings us closer to opening our doors.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this journey. We can’t wait to welcome you to Bookish Cafe Orlando—a place made possible by readers like you.

With gratitude and bookish love,

Maria, Kate and Gerardo