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, on North Oracle and East Tangerine roads, has enjoyed so much success that owners have had to rent a bigger space for its book readings.

Now they will take over the vacant former Austin’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream and Family Restaurant space at 2920 E. Broadway, in Broadway Village.

Owners Crispin and Lizzy Jeffrey-Franco, Tucson natives, presented their plans to the Rio Nuevo board at its August meeting and asked for $110,148 to assist with construction costs.

The board responded enthusiastically to the proposal and, per its rule of waiting two weeks between presentation and a final vote to provide time for public input, told the owners the possibility of approval appeared promising.

Aside from book sales and events with authors, the shop sells coffee, tea, lemonade, beer and wine.

Stacks began as a social media account to talk about book culture and reading, became a pop-up store with small businesses around Tucson for about two years before opening the store in Oro Valley in the summer of 2023.

The store has 25,000 customer accounts and is sometimes so crowded that customers who come in can’t find a place to sit, said Lizzy Jeffrey-Franco.

“It’s a good problem to have,� she said, “But I know it can be frustrating for customers.�

When the couple noticed people coming in from all over town, not just the northwest side, they started plans for a second location.

They hope to open the Broadway store early next year and plan to increase the book inventory in the new, nearly 4,000-square-foot space.

The Rio Nuevo will vote on approving their request at its next meeting in September.