About Us

We’re so excited to have you here, your support truly means everything to us 💜

Bookish Cafe Orlando was founded in March 2024 as a one-of-a-kind independent bookstore built for readers who wanted more than just a place to buy books. What started as themed events, pop-ups, and book clubs has now grown into a physical space where fantasy lovers, thriller readers, and bookish friends can gather every day.

Our goal has always been to create an immersive experience that celebrates all things bookish, a space where you can unapologetically embrace your passions, connect with fellow readers, and feel at home the moment you walk through the door.

Every part of Bookish Cafe Orlando has been built through community support, partnerships with indie authors and small businesses, and a whole lot of hard work behind the scenes. We are proudly self-funded, and every event attended, book purchased, and share online has helped bring this dream to life.

Thank you for being part of our story. Escape into adventure, sip in suspense.

What Are We Today?

Today, Bookish Cafe Orlando is a growing independent bookstore located in Clermont, Florida, serving a passionate community of readers both locally and online.

We host immersive themed events, book clubs, movie nights, markets, author collaborations, and community gatherings designed to bring people together through stories. Beyond our shelves, our mission is to create a welcoming space where readers can build friendships, discover new worlds, and celebrate the things they love without judgment.

Since opening our doors, the response from the community has been overwhelming in the best way. What began as a dream has quickly become a gathering place for readers, creatives, and small businesses across Central Florida.

But like many small independent businesses, opening the doors was only the beginning.

Why We Still Need Your Help

Bookish Cafe Orlando is officially open, but we are still in the early stages of building the full experience we’ve always envisioned. As a completely self-funded small business, every improvement, expansion, and operational expense comes directly from our team and the support of our community.

Your support helps us continue growing sustainably while managing the many costs that come with opening and operating an independent bookstore.

Funds raised will help support:

Store Improvements & Buildout

Continuing to transform our space into the cozy, immersive bookish escape we’ve dreamed of creating through additional seating, shelving, décor, lighting, signage, and customer experience upgrades.

Furniture & Community Spaces

Expanding our gathering areas for book clubs, events, workshops, and community meetups while improving comfort and functionality throughout the store.

Inventory & Small Business Support

Restocking books, expanding our curated fantasy and thriller selection, and continuing to support indie authors, artists, and small businesses through the products we carry in-store.

Events & Experiences

Helping us continue hosting the immersive themed events and community experiences that make Bookish Cafe Orlando special.

Operational & Opening Costs

Supporting the ongoing realities of running a physical storefront, including rent, utilities, permits, staffing, insurance, maintenance, and the countless behind-the-scenes expenses that come with keeping our doors open.

Thank You From the Bottom of Our Bookish Hearts

Bookish Cafe Orlando exists because of this community.

Every event attended, every book purchased, every social media share, and every word of encouragement has helped turn this dream into something real. What once lived only in our heads is now a physical space filled with readers, conversations, friendships, and stories.

We are endlessly grateful to everyone who has supported us, whether financially, emotionally, or simply by showing up and believing in what we’re building.

This is only the beginning for Bookish Cafe Orlando, and we cannot wait to continue growing alongside all of you.

Thank you for helping us build a place where readers can escape into adventure, sip in suspense, and find their people.

With gratitude and bookish love,

Maria, Kate & Gerardo