Some great news is arriving for my fellow New York bibliophiles. A brand new café and bookstore is currently planning on opening up later this Spring in Alphabet City.
Thayer is an independent press operating out of the East Village. Founded by writer and editor Matthew Lally, Thayer produces a biennial magazine of short fiction, poetry, and photography. Taking submissions from guest authors across the city, Thayer provides a space for new voices to find established audiences.
Beyond just publication, Matthew Lally is currently planning on converting his independent press into a full brick-and-mortar café and bookstore. Maintaining the name of Lally’s publishing company, Thayer will be opening up on 99 Avenue B, right around the corner from Tompkins Square Park.
Part café, part bookstore, Thayer is expected to serve a traditional assortment of coffee, pastries, and toasts. In addition, Thayer is in the process of acquiring a beer and wine license from the state of New York, and is hoping to offer guests a regular happy hour. Lally is also hoping to be able to host a variety of different events, perhaps inviting writers and other guest lecturers to celebrate the launch of new books. Once the concept is well-established, Thayer is even looking to sell its own merch to its soon-to-be-dedicated fans.
Moving into the space at 99 Avenue B, Thayer will be replacing Manitoba’s. A popular punk icon, Manitoba was founded by the illustrious Handsome Dick Manitoba, a well known radio personality and frontman of the NYC-based band The Dictators. Manitoba’s had operated on Avenue B for nearly twenty years, and the transition from punk bar to bookstore and café represents a steady change that has quietly been transforming the East Village for years.
Interested parties can follow Thayer on Instagram for future updates on the progression of the café. In addition, Lally is always looking for submissions for his magazines, so any writers and artists reading this are highly encouraged to send over their best short stories, poems, paintings, and photos to Lally’s website. Who knows, one day you might even read a short story submission from your favorite New York restaurant reporter…
