A Bed-Stuy bookstore is turning a longtime dream into reality. After five years of carrying Black food stories from neighborhood to neighborhood, sisters Gabrielle Davenport and her sister have opened the first brick-and-mortar location of BEM Books & More, a space dedicated to celebrating the connection between food, culture and literature.

What began as a passion project has grown into a permanent home shaped by community and purpose. The shop features carefully curated books centered on Black food traditions, along with a café where visitors can enjoy a drink while they read. The sisters say they hope the space becomes a gathering place for residents to learn, relax and connect through culinary and literary experiences.

Neighbors are already embracing the new addition, calling it a welcoming escape and a meaningful resource for the community.

BEM Books & More is now open in Bed-Stuy.

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