Our Story
​A Concrete Rose Bookbar Co. began as a dream to create a space where wine, books, food, and art come together to inspire connection and community. Founded with a passion for celebrating the beauty and diversity of the African Diaspora, our vision was to create an unforgettable experience—one that feeds the soul, sparks conversation, and fosters creativity.
Originally established as the nation's first micro-winery, Black bookstore, tapas bar, and intimate event space, A Concrete Rose quickly became a beloved community hub. Through curated literature, a soulful fusion menu, and a welcoming atmosphere, we provided a space where people could gather to relax, learn, and share their stories.
As life evolves, so does our journey. After two years at our beautiful location in Southeast Lancaster, we suddenly had to shut our doors right at the budding peak of our success. We accomplished our goal of placing our business, a vibrant new concept, in Southeast Lancaster, a primarily Black and brown neighborhood, often labeled as the bad area no one wants to visit. Similar to the story/poem inspiration of our name, The Rose that Grew from Concrete, with limited start-up funds and obstacles being thrown in our way, we still achieved a lot in a short amount of time.
Today, we’ve embraced a pop-up model to continue serving our community in innovative ways. Through events like Griot's Garden Open Mic, pop-up book sales, and exclusive merchandise, we are bringing the magic of A Concrete Rose directly to you. Whether it’s the joy of discovering a new favorite book, the inspiration of spoken word, or the comfort of soulful food and wine, we remain committed to being the experience your soul needs.
Our story is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to our mission. While we work toward the goal of reopening a permanent space, our pop-up model allows us to remain a vibrant part of the community we love. We are here to celebrate and amplify the stories of the African Diaspora, to provide a platform for self-expression, and to create opportunities for connection through literature, art, and culture.
Join us at one of our pop-ups and become a part of our story. Whether you’re savoring a glass of wine, sharing your truth at an open mic, or supporting our mission through a purchase, you are helping us write the next chapter of A Concrete Rose Bookbar Co.
We are a married couple with a heart to enrich the lives of others through our experience and resources. We believe no one is free until we all are free and focus our work on utilizing our skillset to liberate others into healing, safety and access to the best version of themselves for a better and more inclusive community.
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From Our Customers
1
John Smith
"I had an amazing time at A Concrete Rose Bookbar Co. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, and the wine selection was fantastic."
2
Jane Doe
"The food at A Concrete Rose Bookbar Co. was delicious and unique. I loved the fusion of different flavors and ingredients."
3
Mike Johnson
"The books at A Concrete Rose Bookbar Co. were curated with intention and purpose. I discovered some amazing reads and learned so much about the African diaspora."
