Chinatown Bookstore Pairs Literature with Local Bites

Throughout July, the independent bookstore Yu & Me Books engaged in a collaborative promotion with 7th Street Burger, providing customers with a coupon for a complimentary cheeseburger upon the purchase of a book. The initiative, which gained traction online, sought to bridge the gap between local dining and literary discovery.

Lucy Yu, who founded the bookstore in December 2021, noted that the partnership originated after a chance meeting with 7th Street Burger co-founder Kevin Rezvani. The two business owners, who expressed mutual appreciation for each other’s work, developed the concept as a way to encourage community engagement. Yu suggested that the pairing of reading and dining felt like a natural extension of the shop’s mission to foster connection.

Located on Mulberry Street, the bookstore is recognized as the first Asian American woman-owned shop of its kind in New York City. The space, which features a café on the ground floor and a reading area downstairs, is situated in a building with a notable history as part of the neighborhood’s former "Funeral Row." Yu stated that she chose the location specifically for its historical resonance, which she believes aligns with the store’s goal of preserving diverse voices.

In terms of inventory, the shop maintains a highly intentional curation strategy. Rather than prioritizing mainstream bestsellers, the team focuses on works from small presses, debut authors, and stories centered on immigrant experiences and writers of color. According to Yu, the bookstore’s philosophy is to highlight titles that are not as widely available in larger retail chains.

While the burger promotion served as a primary draw for first-time visitors, Yu expressed hope that the collaboration would lead to a more lasting impact. She emphasized that the ultimate goal remains to broaden the audience for underrepresented stories, noting that increased reading can foster greater empathy within the community. The bookstore continues to explore similar partnerships and pop-up events with other local businesses to further integrate itself into the neighborhood fabric.