In 2021, Kendall Craig, a Marfa, Texas, resident, opened Stop & Read Books with the help of a loan from Communities Unlimited (CU). Her book subscription service and cozy storefront quickly became a favorite for locals and tourists.

However, as her business grew, Kendall realized her small space limited her potential. In early 2024, she turned to CU again for funding to expand into a larger, more prominent location on Marfa’s Main Street.

The new space, three times the size of the original, is in a prime spot for Marfa’s tourism-driven businesses. This expansion allows Kendall to offer more products, including local and regional cookbooks, unique gifts, and local artisans’ work. She also features specialty cooking items and locally sourced wines and beers, making her store a destination for book lovers and food enthusiasts.

When Kendall decided to expand, CU’s Area Director of Lending, Debra Williams, facilitated the loan. Senior Management Consultant James Custer and Area Director Brian Wells from the Entrepreneurship Team, who have supported Kendall’s business from the beginning, helped craft a business plan, prepared financial projections, and assessed the feasibility of the expansion.

They also provided guidance on renovation costs, inventory needs, and operating expenses. CU continues to assist Kendall with QuickBooks training and bookkeeping, helping her manage her growing business.

The expansion not only increases product offerings but also transforms the bookstore into a community hub. Kendall added more seating, free Wi-Fi, and a self-service fridge for grab-and-go beverages, a hit with customers on hot Marfa days. She even introduced Friday and Saturday evening wine service, which has boosted foot traffic.

“Books don’t have the best margins — it’s a tough industry, especially in a tourist town,” Kendall said. “I decided to capitalize on feedback from visitors wanting coffee or a glass of wine. The goal was always to create a place for the community to gather, and now we’ve added seating and Wi-Fi, so people come by to work or hang out with friends.”

Kendall is grateful for CU’s ongoing support, especially from Brian and James.

Looking ahead, Kendall hopes to eventually purchase the building that houses her bookstore and plans to return to CU for funding when the time comes. For now, she’s focused on making Stop & Read Books a true destination for locals and tourists, where books, quality goods, and community spirit come together.

And no update would be complete without mentioning the store’s mascot, Pepper, who continues to charm visitors from the children’s section.

“Pepper’s doing great,” Kendall said. “She gets lots of attention and treats, and there’s a dog watering station outside. She loves laying out in the sun and stays close even with the door open.”

With Kendall’s vision and CU’s support, Stop & Read Books is ready to write its next chapter.

“Kendall’s a talented entrepreneur who sees the opportunity that others miss,” Wells said. “Her ability to establish strong relationships with stakeholders that aid her business is pretty amazing.”