Meet Gwenyfar Rohler | Managing Partner, Old Books on Front St.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gwenyfar Rohler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gwenyfar, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up here, in Wilmington, NC. I began shopping at the this bookstore when I was 2 years old, the year it opened.17 years ago, the founder, Mr. Daughtry, called my dad and said he wanted me to buy the store. Our family life changed over night. My parents’ home library rivals several of the colleges I applied to attend. I almost never needed to buy books for school, as we already owned copies of almost anything that would get assigned in english, history, or philosophy classes. The book store is just a physical extension of the inside of my head.

What should our readers know about your business?
I wouldn’t say we meet any business school standard of success. What we are is a place that registers people to vote, watches kids grow up, discusses ideas with young adults and provides a place to find something that opens up the world. Usually someone comes into to play the piano. Her name is Estelle and she was a gift to us 12 years ago by James Jarvis: he wanted to start a public art project with live music. I will never be wealthy in my bank account, but I am very lucky in what day to day life is.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Folks Cafe on the corner of 12th and Princess St is a wonderful neighborhood coffee shop with incredible South American food. Thalian Hall is an 1850’s theatre still in operation with lots of live theatre and a fine art film series. It is beautiful and truly the crown jewel of our city.
The onion rings at Copper Penny are dangerously good.
Cape Fear Games on Oleander is worth the trip, so is Memory Lane Comics
Gotta go to Lula’s: A Pub for a drink… but you have to find a local to take you there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The incredible city of Wilmington. When our building was condemned and we had to move over 300 people showed up and moved us to safety. Last year during our bizarre legal battle with The City, the outpouring of community support was overwhelming. We wouldn’t be here still if it were not for them. Thank you.

Website: www.oldbooksonfrontstreet.com

Instagram: @OBOFS