Yesterday, we finally had the chance to stop at Ben's Boyz Restaurant in Friendly Center. Not only do they have delicious food, they also have a bookstore and gift shop at the entrance of the restaurant. Pictured above is Sherricka Carpenter Stanley who owns Next Chapter Bookstore. Her store represents over 70 authors and several local artists. The brick and mortar restaurant started as a food truck in the space where Starbucks is now located in Friendly. They opened the restaurant in May of 2021 and then on September 18, 2021, Sherricka launched the bookstore; fulfilling a goal she had on her vision board since 2011. Sherricka came to Greensboro to attend NC A&T where she majored in math education. She taught math for 25 years but has since left the classroom and works in her bookstore. Additionally, she is a published author with two of her own books for sale at Next Chapter. One is a rhyming book about family for little children. The other is a book about Kamala Harris.
If you want a good meal or a bookstore that has books and gifts for every occasion, head to 2711 Grandview Avenue in Friendly (up by the Juice Shop). Thursdays are their late night when there is an open mike when singers, musicians, poets, spoken word artists and paint live artists gather from 5:00- 8:00 pm to showcase their talent. We're not sure what their hours will be today, though, since we know Sherricka will be at the Juneteenth SOULebration.. SOULebration is happening at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax from 11:00 am- 6:00 p.m.. The event is free and open to the public.
Happy Juneteenth!