The Novel Sip, a bookstore, cafe, and wine bar that grew out of an online book club, is working on a Columbus-area storefront that promises book browsing with slow coffee by day and wine by night. Founder Shayla Cole has been test-driving the concept at local events and on social media while she secures a location, but she has not yet shared a street address. The project is still in early stages as Cole pulls together partnerships and a firm timeline.
Planned opening and owner
What Now Columbus reported yesterday that The Novel Sip is expected to open in New Albany in spring 2027 and that it started as an online book club. The Columbus Book Festival exhibitor listing, however, describes the concept as opening in summer 2026. According to What Now, Cole is planning an all-day operation that pairs books with lattes and wine, and she has not yet responded to the outlet’s request for comment or released a storefront address.
How the brand describes itself
According to The Novel Sip, the business bills itself as “a neighborhood space for books, coffee, wine, and community” and lists a contact email for inquiries. The site broadly lists Columbus, Ohio, as the location and carries a “Coming to Columbus, Ohio in 2027” message.
Showcased at the Columbus Book Festival
The Novel Sip appears on the Columbus Book Festival 2026 exhibitor list, where organizers describe it as a woman- and minority-owned bookstore-cafe-wine bar. That slot places the project within a local ecosystem of bookish cafes and indie shops, including spots like Two Dollar Radio and Fox in the Snow, a landscape highlighted by Experience Columbus. Cole’s LinkedIn profile also lists experience with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, tying her to the local food and hospitality community.
How to follow the opening
The Novel Sip’s site lists Instagram, Facebook and other social channels, and provides [email protected] for inquiries, according to The Novel Sip. Hoodline will update this article once Cole confirms a storefront address or a formal opening date.
