Columbus-based independent book publisher and film producer, Two Dollar Radio, has found a new location on Parsons Avenue. Some changes are planned for the business model as well, as what used to be a confectionery and the South Side Library is converted into a bookstore, café and bar.
“The storefront will provide a physical gathering space for us to engage directly with readers, writers, and thinkers, which is something we typically only get to do at fairs or events,” said co-owner Eric Obenauf.
Obenauf, his wife Eliza Wood-Obenauf, and their financial partner Brett Gregory founded Two Dollar Radio in 2005. Together they’ve published books that have received recognition from publications such as Los Angeles Times, The New York Times Book Review, O, The Oprah Magazine, Slate, and Salon. NPR picked up the book The Only Ones by Carola Dibbell for a review as well.
The partners searched through properties in Clintonville, Franklinton and Olde Towne East before securing the space at 1124 Parsons Ave. It offers 3,700 square feet of space, and includes a large warehouse that’ll store inventory and allow for room to grow.
Browsers at Two Dollar Radio’s new bookstore will find plenty of the publisher’s titles, but the collection won’t be limited to them. They’ll add others as well, putting emphasis on independently published books. The café and bar will serve locally-roasted coffee and tea, sandwiches, salads, dips, cocktails and wine. Draft beer will be offered as well, with local brewery Hoof Hearted continuously on tap.
“Our plan is to not only feature cutting-edge literature, but also craft brewers and coffee roasters at the forefront of their fields, and I think Hoof Hearted is a great example of that,” Gregory said.
After renovating for over a year, Two Dollar Radio is now working on the final renovations to the space. Memberships are 25 percent off now until their opening, which is slated for September.
For more information, visit twodollarradio.com.