# Romance bookstore finds perfect partner in coffee shop

> Page Burners opens in Center City with Mad Cat Brewtique, creating a hybrid space for book lovers and coffee drinkers.
- Title: Romance bookstore finds perfect partner in coffee shop
- Summary: Page Burners opens in Center City with Mad Cat Brewtique, creating a hybrid space for book lovers and coffee drinkers. Two small business owners found…
- Keywords: page burners, mad cat brewtique, philadelphia, center city, romance bookstore, coffee shop, annie lecluyse, cassidy fairey, small business partnership, 2036 sansom street, local business, news
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/page-burners-romance-bookstore-opening-mad-cat-brewtique-center-city
- Published: 2026-09-18T19:39:50.023+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: page burners, mad cat brewtique, philadelphia, center city, romance bookstore, coffee shop, annie lecluyse, cassidy fairey, small business partnership, 2036 sansom street, local business, news
## Romance bookstore opens Saturday
Page Burners, Philadelphia's third romance-only bookstore, launches at 2036 Sansom St. in Center City on Saturday in partnership with coffee shop Mad Cat Brewtique.
## Owner found inspiration on election night
Annie LeCluyse got the idea to open a bookstore two years ago while watching the Hallmark Channel instead of election coverage, seeking to create a safe community space.

> Because I come from the social work field, I knew we were gonna need connection, community and just a safe space over the next handful of years.
## Previously operated as pop-up shop
Page Burners sold books from pink shelves at Mad Cat's old location and the Little Treat boutique before securing its first permanent storefront.
## Mad Cat owner suggested partnership
When Mad Cat Brewtique decided to move to a larger space, owner Cassidy Fairey immediately thought of LeCluyse as a partner, and LeCluyse instantly agreed.
## Center City needed a romance bookstore
While romance-only bookstores exist in Manayunk, Fairmount, and Collingswood, New Jersey, LeCluyse believed Center City was underserved and could support one.
## Hybrid layout spans two floors
The street level features a local artisan and coffee shop, while Page Burners occupies the basement with dedicated shelves for local authors, new releases, and multiple romance subgenres.
## Flame bookmarks rate spice levels
Each novel has an orange bookmark with one to five flames indicating sexual content intensity, helping customers find books matching their comfort level without surprises.
## LeCluyse uses romance.io for ratings
She relies on the user-aggregated site romance.io to determine flame designations, ensuring customers get accurate information about book content before purchasing.
## Plans community events and gatherings
LeCluyse will host book clubs, trivia nights, and crafting gatherings to build community beyond just selling books.
## Symbiotic business relationship planned
Both owners hope customers will browse both shops, with signage directing people between the coffee shop and bookstore to drive traffic to each business.
## Smaller businesses benefit from partnerships
Fairey noted that shared brick-and-mortar spaces help drive business to both shops while reducing costs, a growing trend among small business owners.

> I think that there is always going to be a trend of smaller businesses partnering together under one brick-and-mortar.
## Store hours start this Saturday
Page Burners opens Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
## Key takeaway

Two small business owners found success by partnering under one roof, sharing costs and customers to grow together.