Lit. Books & Brews Will Open in Wilmington
A new bookstore and bar concept is preparing to debut at 1118 Castle St. in Wilmington.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Liz Harris and Maranda Guarascio are launching a new retail and hospitality venture called Lit. Books & Brews. The upcoming establishment in Wilmington will combine a bookstore featuring popular titles with a bar.
Why it matters
The owners aim to provide a unique community space where residents can socialize, enjoy a drink, and read in one location. This project marks a significant career transition for the founders, who are moving from the healthcare sector into retail and hospitality.
The new establishment features eight beer taps, focusing on selections from local breweries and prosecco. The venue is located at 1118 Castle St. in Wilmington.
The players
Liz Harris
She is one of the co-founders of the new venture and is transitioning into the hospitality and retail industry from a background in healthcare.
Maranda Guarascio
She is a co-founder of the business who is applying her professional transition from the healthcare field to the new bookstore and bar concept.
Sun Coast Partners Commercial
This is the commercial real estate firm that provided professional support and services to the owners for the project.
The details
Lit. Books & Brews will offer a selection of new and popular books alongside its drink menu. The layout includes a dedicated area designed specifically to host book club meetings.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: The project plans for the new bookstore and bar were reported.
Market Landscape
This venture aligns with the growing industry trend of third-place retail models that combine traditional book shopping with bar hospitality. By integrating social spaces like dedicated book club areas, the business differentiates itself from standard retail bookstore footprints.
Local residents will gain a new neighborhood venue that allows for the purchase of popular books while consuming local beverages. The inclusion of a dedicated meeting area provides a new resource for local book clubs looking for a social environment.
The takeaway
Hybrid businesses like Lit. Books & Brews offer residents a way to blend their reading habits with local socialization. Readers interested in similar concepts should monitor their local community boards for upcoming neighborhood business launches.
Further reading
For more information on the latest retail changes in the area, visit the Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Starnewsonline.
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