An independent author and publisher recently achieved his dream of owning a bookstore with the opening of Spineless Reads in Settler’s Market.

Lucas Marino, co-founder of the indie publishing company Sobelo Books and author of the dark fiction series “Haunting of the Whispering House,” opened the new business adjacent to Chicken Salad Chick on Sept. 27 with the help of his wife, Tammie, their three teenagers and his father, Charlie.

Marino, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, became interested in the industry after retiring from the military, writing and publishing his first book in 2023. He started out selling his books at conventions, where he developed a following.

“I really enjoy engaging with the readers,” said Marino, who decided to take the leap and open a brick-and-mortar establishment. His family helped with the effort, with his son setting up the store’s tech and sound system and his father building all the store’s bookshelves.

“I couldn’t have done this without my dad,” he said.

Spineless Reads specializes in fiction, carrying a diverse line of books by national bestselling authors and local authors in a variety of genres, including thriller and horror, science fiction and fantasy, historical fiction and romance. Foot traffic has been steady thanks to social media.

“It’s been awesome,” Tammie Marino said. “We try to carry things that you can’t get at the big box stores. People love that. They love coming in and finding books that they can’t find at the bigger places.”

The bookshop stocks books recommended by visitors and also does custom orders. Online ordering is also available. Eventually, the Marinos would like to host events such as author book signings, book clubs, workshops and teen events.

“We want this to be a place where people can come in, pick up a book and escape,” Lucas Marino said. “We want to create a community where people want to come to all the time.”

Spineless Readers is located at 4640 Casey Blvd., Suite 130, in James City County. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit spinelessreads.com.

More businesses eyeing locations along Route 17 in York County

In addition to a Chick-fil-A that is planning to construct a restaurant at 5600 George Washington Memorial Highway, at least three other businesses are interested in bringing locations to the Grafton area of York County.

Last month, site plans were submitted for a Chipotle at 5626 George Washington Memorial Highway, as well as a Dutch Bros drive-thru coffee shop nearby. The Dutch Bros coffee shop would be the first location in Virginia for the chain, though a corporate spokesperson said they had no information to provide.

Cook Out is also planning to build a restaurant at 5340 George Washington Memorial Highway.

Andre’ Julius Custom Suits & Tuxedos expands with third location

Andre’ Julius Custom Suits & Tuxedos, a shop in New Town that specializes in custom suits for men and women, is expanding with the opening of a third location in Norfolk in November.

André McLaughlin plans to open a third showroom highlighting his custom suits next month in Norfolk. (Andre’ McLaughlin)

Owner Andre’ McLaughlin, a former police officer and Williamsburg native, is a celebrity designer and stylist who has created fashionwear for many sports figures including Ryan Clark, Nate Burleson, Anthony “Booger” McFarland and Bryant McFadden, along with attire for gospel artist Jonathan Nelson and Pastor Mike Todd with Transformation Church.

A grand opening will be held Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the newest showroom.

“This third showroom represents the next evolution of our brand,” McLaughlin said in a news release. “Norfolk has a vibrant culture, and we’re excited to bring a truly elevated, luxury experience to this city. Every garment we create tells a story — and now, even more people can begin theirs with us.”

In addition to the showroom in New Town, McLaughlin has a showroom in Richmond.

For more information, visit andrejulius.com.

Dots & Dashes

The Brass Tap, a restaurant and bar located at 4904 Courthouse St. in New Town, announced plans to rebrand as Nickelknoff’s Pub on Nov. 1.
A grand opening was held Wednesday for Atomic Wings, a new chicken wings restaurant at 4655 Monticello Ave.
Coffee shop Persnickety Crane Café will reopen later this fall at a new location. The café, which previously announced plans to close, will be located at 4740 George Washington Memorial Highway. Follow the shop on Facebook at facebook.com/persnicketycranecafe.
Two Maids of Williamsburg recently announced a partnership with Cleaning for a Reason, a nonprofit providing free home cleanings for cancer patients. Through this new initiative, the company will provide free cleaning services to two cancer patients monthly for two consecutive months. The program is available to patients living in Hampton, Newport News, Yorktown, Seaford, Gloucester and Williamsburg. Two Maids of Williamsburg is owned by Lee Sheridan, who also operates locations in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Suffolk.

Brandy Centolanza, bcentolanza@cox.net

https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/10/24/business-notes-new-indie-book-store-opens-in-settlers-market/