Two local KC businesses team up to build the metro’s first worker-owned bookstore cafe

After years of working in the service industry, these workers have joined forces with a vision of creating a better bookstore + restaurant model.

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Here’s a small section of Editor Charmaine’s book collection. She plans to organize them...someday.

Photo by KCtoday

Cauldron Collective and Turnsol Books & Coffee have teamed up to bring something new to the KC Metro: a worker-owned bookstore cafe.

The new spot will be located at 1664 Broadway Blvd., KCMO, next door to Stray Cat Films.

About the two businesses

Cauldron Collective is a worker-owned pop-up food concept founded in 2021. It started when a group of service workers decided to redesign the restaurant model.

Turnsol Books & Coffee began as an independent publisher. Former employees of a local book + record shop influenced the publisher to become a bookstore centering on good books and building community.

What to expect

Here’s what you can expect at the new bookstore cafe:

  • An eclectic selection of books
  • Coffee and vegan food
  • Concerts
  • Art nights
  • Pop-ups
  • Readings

Journey to a bookstore cafe

The two local businesses have secured some investor funding and now seek community donations to help bring the concept to life. If you’re interested in supporting, you can donate to its Go Fund Me campaign .

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Charmaine lives in Kansas City, MO. She has written for newspapers, newsrooms, and blogs. She also previously managed social media for the Country Club Plaza, KC Melting Pot Theatre, and other businesses. On her off days, Charm is usually reading books, watching movies, cooking, or playing video games.
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