Bookstore to Open in Former Macon Hardware Digs

"In a major development for Bed Stuy's literary community, prominent journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones is partnering with well-known local entrepreneurs to open a literary salon and bar in the former home of iconic Macon Hardware, located at the corner of Macon Street and Marcus Garvey Boulevard. Before closing in 2023, Macon Hardware had a long history as one of Bed Stuy's longest standing Black-owned businesses - and longest-standing businesses in general."

"Hannah-Jones, a professor at Howard University and co-founder of the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting who has worked as a staff reporter for The Oregonian, ProPublica, and The New York Times, told Brownstoner that, in addition to being a bookstore, bar, and cafe, The North Star Books + Bar will serve as a literary salon designed to be "a draw for great Black writers and creators from across the globe.""

Nikole Hannah-Jones is partnering with Bed Stuy entrepreneurs Rotimi and Ayo Akinnuoye and DJ Johnson to open The North Star Books + Bar at 339 Macon Street. The space occupies the former Macon Hardware, a long-standing Black-owned Bed Stuy business that closed in 2023. The venue will function as a bookstore, bar, and cafe and as a literary salon intended to attract prominent Black writers and creators. Rotimi and Ayo Akinnuoye will manage food and beverage, DJ Johnson will oversee the bookstore component, and a general manager will run daily operations. Hannah-Jones emphasized keeping the space Black owned.

Read at Brownstoner