Books, Brews, and Brooksville: Citrus and Sage Partners with Bean & Bubble to Bring a Fresh Chapter to Hernando County

Citrus and Sage Bookshop storefront. [Photo by Noelle Pappas]

In the heart of Brooksville, a cozy new partnership is brewing, quite literally.

Citrus and Sage Bookshop, a local bookstore that opened its doors just six months ago, has teamed up with The Bean & Bubble, a coffee company that moved into the shop in late August. Together, they’re offering something rare for Hernando County: a space designed for connection, creativity, and community, and one that’s resonating with Millennials and Gen Z.

For Citrus and Sage owner Andrea Reid, the bookstore was born from a love of literature and a deep affection for her hometown. “I wanted a place for book lovers to come to escape reality,” Reid said. “It’s a no-judgment zone. There’s such a large book community here in Central Florida, and I wanted to give them a home.”

That sense of home extends beyond the pages of the books. Housed in a converted residential building in downtown Brooksville, Citrus and Sage feels more like a living room than a retail space, complete with comfy seating, local art, and the smell of fresh coffee drifting from the counter inside.

ABOVE RIGHT: Bean & Bubble coffee shop is nestled inside the cozy book store. [Photo by Noelle Pappas]

Reid’s journey to bookstore ownership began with months of research and pop-up events. “First, I did popups and markets for about six months to feel out my customer base,” she said. “I visited a ton of bookstores across Florida to see what I liked and didn’t like, and to decide what kinds of books to carry.”

Her vision always included coffee. “When I get something in my mind, I do it,” Reid said, laughing. “My vision was always to have coffee and books together. After a little hiccup, we finally were able to partner with Bean & Bubble.”

That partnership came to life when Reid met Tricia Bramley, owner of Bean & Bubble, through a mutual friend. For Bramley, who spent over 20 years in the corporate world, the coffee shop represents both a business venture and a personal passion. “I felt like I had exhausted my time in the corporate space,” Bramley said. “After some soul searching, I realized coffee was what I wanted to pursue.”

She began with a coffee trailer but dreamed of a permanent spot. When she heard about the open space inside Citrus and Sage, it was the perfect match. “I wanted everything to run perfectly and give customers the best experience possible,” Bramley said. “As much as we have become a part of our clientele’s life, they become a part of ours. It’s really important for us to work with local bakeries and the community to make sure Brooksville stays healthy and vibrant.”

Seasonal book display inside of Citrus and Sage. [Photo by Noelle Pappas]

Bramley makes nearly all of her syrups in-house and sources pastries from local bakeries. “It was really important to me to have a coffee-forward person here,” Reid said. “And to make sure we included homemade syrups and local pastries, really just as much from the community as possible.”

That local-first approach is paying off. On any given afternoon, Citrus and Sage is filled with customers chatting over iced lattes, browsing shelves of indie author titles, or attending one of the store’s signature events. Reid aims to support other small Florida-based creators whenever possible, especially through purchasing their books or gifts.

Reid has built a calendar packed with book clubs: fantasy, thriller, “spicy,” and even ones hosted at local businesses like Tidal Brewing Co. Book Club. “We have about 30 to 40 people who show up,” she said. “Our tattoo events are also super successful, and we’ve started partnering with traveling art companies for paint parties that sell out quickly.”

For Reid, those events are what set Citrus and Sage apart. “Anything I can source from Florida, I will,” she said. “I love our community.”

That community love is mutual. One recent customer shared how deeply the space resonated with her. “I had to come back here,” she said, smiling as she ordered from Bean & Bubble’s counter. “I was here yesterday and after I left, I felt this sense of peace wash over me. I needed to come back. I love this store.”

That emotional connection is part of what makes Citrus and Sage and Bean & Bubble special, particularly for younger residents. Spaces like this, which blend comfort, creativity, and community engagement, are often rare in Hernando County.

Bean & Bubble countertop, featuring charcuterie cups and homemade syrups. [Photo by Noelle Pappas]

According to recent studies, Millennials and Gen Z shoppers are increasingly drawn to local businesses that align with their values, especially those emphasizing authenticity, sustainability, and community. Citrus and Sage’s blend of books and coffee hits all those notes, while also filling a gap in Brooksville’s small-business landscape.

For both owners, this collaboration is about more than selling lattes or hardcovers. It’s about creating something lasting, a space where people can slow down, connect, and feel at home.

“I started this because the community lacked something,” Reid said. “Now, the community is growing.”

One of multiple featured books, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, with description.[Photo by Noelle Pappas]