New Bangor Bookstore Combines Coffee, Cocktails, And Community

If you're a book lover, a beer lover or a lover of cozy spaces then you're going to want to keep your eyes peeled for the Fireheart Tavern, a space that will open soon, right on Main Street in downtown.

Downtown Bangor/The Fireheart Tavern LLC, Cori Skall

While it's still early on in the process, Fireheart Tavern founder, Britney Ellis, an avid reader who has spent time working PR jobs and fundraising for nonprofits like The Animal Orphanage in Old Town, says she got the idea for space while talking with a friend after seeing other book bars pop up online.

black eyeglasses on closed book on table selective focus photography — Photo by Robbie Noble on Unsplash

"I've always loved creating events and bringing people together, and I’m also a huge reader, especially fantasy. The Fireheart Tavern really came from wanting to combine all of those pieces into something of my own and create a space I felt was missing in the Bangor area."

"It’s a space for readers, for connection, and for community. A place to enjoy a great book, a good drink, and meaningful conversation. It’s also a place that gives back, with the goal of hosting events and fundraisers that support animal shelters and the work they do."

Their slogan, "Books, Brews & Community" pretty much says it all.

white and brown plastic bottle on white table — Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash

"The Fireheart Tavern will be a bookstore, café, bar, and community gathering space in Downtown Bangor. We’ll have new and used books, coffee and specialty drinks, beer, wine and cocktails, along with book clubs, silent reading nights, D&D, trivia, author events, live music, themed events, and more. I really want it to be somewhere you can walk into alone, grab a book or a drink, and still feel like you’re part of a community."

Elis says she's been working on the idea for over a year, and now that she has the space at 105 Main Street, nestled right in between Portland Pie Co. and Bangor Window Shade & Drapery, says renovations start this week.

"I’ve been working on the project for over a year, and we now have our Downtown Bangor location secured and are working through permitting, licensing, and the renovation process with the City, state, architects, and contractors. We’re getting closer to construction, which is incredibly exciting after so much work behind the scenes."

She even shared her vision on Facebook so folks could get a glimpse of what she's going for.

Elis says she's not waiting for the doors to open yet, to start creating the Fireheart community.

"I’m launching our first two book clubs this month so people can start getting involved and meeting each other while we continue working toward opening the physical space.
I am beyond excited to be taking this next step and to finally start watching the space transform into everything I’ve been envisioning for The Fireheart Tavern. There is still a lot of work ahead of us before we can open those doors—construction, furniture, books, inventory, equipment, and about a million little details—but this is a HUGE step forward."

She says aside from the formation of the new book clubs, she's on the hunt for something very important to the next phase of setting up the shop: Bookshelves!

a dog sitting in front of a bookshelf full of books — Photo by Matt Tsai on Unsplash

"If you have bookshelves you’re looking to sell or donate, or know of a business getting rid of shelving that could work in a bookstore, please send me a message! I’m going to need quite a few."

"Right now it’s empty walls, old floors, and a whole lot of potential. Soon? Bookshelves. Cozy corners. Coffee. Cocktails. Book clubs. Late-night reads. And a space built for people who love books as much as I do."

We're wishing Elis and her Fireheart community the best as they begin work on the space, and we'll let you know once an official opening date has been set.