The Black Rose in West Branch aims to be a cozy, boozy and bookish hangout ‘for anyone who feels othered’

The Black Rose crew pose in the soon-to-be-open space in May 2025. — via The Black Rose on Facebook

When Ashley Kofoed first arrived in West Branch with her fiancé, it was to meet her future in-laws for dinner at the local Brick Arch Winery. Dining with her family within the spacious building — which features two stories, three gas fireplaces, elegant wood finishes, a stage, a dance floor, a kitchen and over 5,300 sq. ft. — Kofoed was struck by a vision.

“I felt a connection here then,” Kofoed said as we toured the former winery/wedding venue, which closed after the pandemic in 2020. “When I saw this space was up for sale, I knew this was it.”

“It” would be the future site of The Black Rose, a bar-slash-bookstore serving up literature and libations beginning Friday, June 13.

As owner and curator of the space, Kofoed was busy at work preparing for the June 13 opening when we met to chat in May. Piles of books and planks of wood surrounded us as we found a seat in the performance hall — a spot with an expansive stage where Kofoed envisions live music and book readings.

While Kofoed was initially inspired to open what’s commonly known as a “boozy bookstore” from visiting The Literary in Champaign, home of the University of Illinois, she’s planning more than a bar with a Dickens or Poe theme.

“I want to highlight the differences in people,” she said. The name of the business evokes not just danger and rebellion, but beauty and intimacy — qualities present in many of the diverse, fantastical books Kofoed has in stock.

“The Black Rose will be a safe space. And if anyone tries to make it unsafe,” she warned with a wry smile, “they’ll have me to deal with.”

Ashley Kofoed receives the keys to her future business in West Branch, 116 W Main St. Her husband opens the door for her. — courtesy of The Black Rose

Given Kofoed’s personal story, it’s not hard to see where she gets her courage and empathy. As a biracial child of Black and Mexican descent, Kofoed was often picked on. Whenever she encountered racist bullies in the schoolyard, she turned to the written word for solace.

“Books became my safe space,” she said. “I want The Black Rose to be that same space for anyone who feels othered, to anyone seeking community.”

West Branch seems ready for the reading rebellion Kofoed plans to usher in.

“The Humans of Racial Justice [a local collaborative] have welcomed me. Jessi [Simon, Executive Director of Main Street West Branch] is so giddy and it makes me excited,” Kofoed said. “I love how West Branch rallies behind every business. I feel supported.”

@theblackrosewb Grand Opening June 13th!!! Come see us at The Black Rose #boozybookstore #theblackrosewb #blackownedbusiness #IowaIndieBookShopTour #BookTok #SmallBusiness #fyp #womanownedbusiness #westbranchiowa ♬ original sound – Johnny Sibilly

After their ribbon-cutting on Friday, June 13, The Black Rose plans to participate in West Branch’s Summer Kickoff Weekend, including showcasing Juneteenth history displays, hosting story hour activities and highlighting Black authors. It will be the first, but far from the last, cultural event at The Black Rose.

“With this huge stage,” Kofoed said with a smile, flourishing her arm across the space, “I’d like to host a drag show. I’d also like to do a Dia De Los Muertos altar in the fall. Maybe a ’90s pajama party.”

Her face lights up with the joy of a woman living out her dream in just the right place.