A unique business is opening just off Exit 10 of Route 84 in the Town of Newburgh. The Barking Goose will be a Bookstore Bar hoping to bring the community together over drinks and literature.

Jennifer Flynn and Lani Rozzi got the idea after visiting Rough Draft in Kingston, another Bookstore Bar. The two were looking to leave their jobs in retail to run their own business, the idea of a bookstore bar seemed perfect for them.

“We saw it was an enjoyable relaxed atmosphere [at Rough Draft],” said Rozzi. “We want to give the experience to go out and do something different.”

Flynn and Rozzi have long careers in retail, Flynn worked at Barnes and Nobles for 10 years. They are looking to branch out of retail into their own space, inspired by the community and their family.

“When we are working now, we work very hard to get the satisfaction that this is for ourselves,” said Rozzi.

The store is named after their dog, a rescued Chihuahua named Goose. The logo is a picture of Goose designed by Flynn’s son. The business has been put together with donations of time and assistance from their friends and family.

“It’s our first time starting something from the ground up,” said Flynn. “Everytime we hit an obstacle, we find our way through.We just keep figuring it out with great friends and family. It’s a family venture, everybody is involved.”

Flynn and Rozzi have been working for a year to get their business up and running. They hope to open their doors in March. After a post on Newburgh Restoration about their store, the two have received a lot of support from the community.

“At first we were nervous that people would come,” said Flynn. “What we’ve seen happen through social media is a huge amount of support. So we’ve switched our mode from if they come to make sure we are prepared for when they come.”

The two hope to have large involvement with the community. Their goal is to work with the community to grow and evolve their business. They will sell a mixture of newly published books with older classics covering a variety of genres and publications.

“I’ve loved books all my life,” said Flynn. “Books bring people and cultures together. Books open a world to people, people love books, the feel of books, the smell of books, it doesn’t get better than bringing everyone together over that.”

The Barking Goose is located at 16 North Plank Road, Suite 102-3 in the Town of Newburgh.