Bookstore with bar, gathering space fills niche in downtown Charleston

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For husband-and-wife team Jenny Ferrara and Michael Bourke, their union is the perfect pairing, with literature and libations a close second.

The couple raised a toast to their bookstore, bar and gathering place on March 9 when they opened Philosophers & Fools at 50 Bogard St. in Charleston.

Ferrara’s background serves her well when it comes to ensuring that the public is aware of the business. The Charleston resident worked in advertising in New York for seven years before moving to the area in 2010 and joining up with a marketing company called Obviouslee Marketing, where she worked for 11 years. Her husband, who works full-time as an accountant, has what it takes to ensure that the books are in order, so to speak.

“He works nights and weekends,” said Ferrara.

The couple, who are both avid readers, sought the perfect spot for almost half a year, where they could become part of an established neighborhood.

“That was our first criteria — to be around for a long time and to add to the area,” said Ferrara, adding that the shop is located on a “cute street” in the Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood. “It’s not that far from where we live so we can ride our bikes to work.”

Another selling point was what Ferrara describes as “big, beautiful windows, which allow for lovely natural light.” To gild the lily, there was a recessed nook, perfect for a couch and additional soft seating.

The space, which used to house an interior design business, spans 1,400 square feet — just enough to be cozy. A bar seats 12, with additional seating placed around the shop — perfect for relaxing with an engrossing novel.

You won’t find any used books at Philosophers & Fools.

“They are all new and we offer a wide variety from classics, to poetry, children’s books, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, fiction, non-fiction, history, social science, philosophy and more,” said Ferrara, adding that the goal is to foster reading and for people to be as excited about books as they are.

Customers, when entering, may smell the familiar aroma of popcorn — there’s a machine on the premises. Other snack food is also available for casual munching. For those who are interested in grabbing a heartier bite and staying awhile, the couple makes good use of a panini press.

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Beverages include tea, drip coffee, seltzers and beer and wine sourced from Advintage Distributing.

“They’ve been fantastic in bringing us suggestions and they believe in our vision, with sustainable, certified organic, biodynamic wines,” said Ferrara, adding that they manage to offer all this starting at $8 a glass. “Our most expensive glass is $13. We want the cost to be approachable so that if you want to go out on a weeknight and enjoy a great glass of wine, you won’t feel as if you broke the bank,” she said.