Winner (#1)

Joseph-Beth Booksellers

Neil and Mary Beth Van Uum opened the first Joseph-Beth store in Lexington, Kentucky in November 1986. The original bookstore began with 37,000 titles in a 6,500 square foot space. This space soon proved itself inadequate, so plans were made to move to a new location. Expansion and renovation, and today, the 40,000 square foot bookstore, located in the very heart of the Mall at Lexington Green, provides customers with two stories of books and sidelines, expanded music and children's departments, and a full service restaurant overlooking the Lexington Green Lake. Unlike more traditional bookshops and large chain outlets, the store draws in natural light, making it feel bright and airy – surely bringing some relief to the crowds of customers!