Family Works: GUMBEAUX GATORS
May 2026
by Kerri Cooke
When arriving at Krew’s Books & Brews, you might be greeted by Poppy, the bookstore Dachshund. Short and stocky with friendly eyes, she wanders freely around the store. It’s just the type of thing you would expect from a locally owned, cozy bookstore.
Karri Hill is mom to Poppy, four kids, Dawson, Sawyer, Kash and Kyllian, and her pretty in pink bookstore/coffee shop. “It’s fun work. I get to be here among books and coffee. I have amazing customers to visit with and talk about books. I put my personality into the business, and people with similar interests found me and we created a community.”
One glance around Krew’s Books & Brews’ interior, and you’ll instantly feel the mood Hill strove to achieve when decorating. There’s a large print of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s in a pink frame on one wall and a mural with a pink background and blue flowers on another. There’s a gumball machine with strictly pink gumballs inside. Then there’s the coffee station where Hill acts as barista that’s almost exclusively decked out in pink. Cozy couches and chairs invite customers to sit down, read a book, play a game or crochet.
As far as the book side of the business, Hill carries both local authors and national bestselling female authors. She says a large portion of the books available are penned by females and she strives to locate underserved voices such as those women of color.
Since an interview with Sarah J. Maas, who has written several series including A Court of Thorns and Roses, went viral, Hill has had trouble keeping her books on shelves. “People just want an escape right now,” Hill says. “They want to go to a magical world where their biggest problem is to slay a dragon.” Otherwise, thriller and suspense novels are popular with customers. “I guess the girlie pops have been wanting to read about murder lately.”
While people don’t usually visit Krew’s for coffee exclusively, they do often purchase a beverage while hanging out at the store. However, it’s the cheesecakes that are the most popular, with a new flavor each week.
Krew’s hosts regular and special events. The most popular get-togethers include Craft Club where people show up to knit, cross stitch, color or indulge in other creative activities; Handheld Game Night, where children can bring their gaming devices; and Adult Book Club, where the books are chosen based on relevant topics each month. March was Women’s History Month, so the club read The Mad Wife, a historical fiction work about a housewife in the 1950s. For Autism Awareness Month in April, the group read a title by an autistic author.
If those visiting Krew’s Books & Brews take away one thing, Hill wants it to be a warm welcome. “It’s a local safe place for those who are neurodivergent or unique creatives who might not fit in elsewhere.” She encourages locals to stop by, saying, “If you need a place to escape reality and feel loved, come visit us.”
Krew’s Books & Brew’s is Hill’s fantasy made reality. “I’m building something that caters to my lifestyle and family. My kids, who are homeschooled, see their mom follow her dreams. We’ve made so many great friends. I think every book girl’s dream is to own a bookstore/coffee shop.”
