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Mvinyo Book Bar applies for beer and wine license in Encanto

Mvinyo Book Bar applies for beer and wine license in Encanto

Rule Changes San Diego, CA local

Owner Marilyn Harvey's pop-up book-and-wine concept applies for a license at 6381 Imperial Avenue

Today: License application appears on ABC list

Overview

Updated 56 minutes ago

Mvinyo Book Bar, a book-and-wine concept running pop-up events in Southeast San Diego since 2024, has applied for a beer and wine license at 6381 Imperial Avenue in Encanto. The application, listed as 'applied for' on the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's licensing report, is for a type 41 license: on-sale beer and wine at an eating place, served with food.

Owner Marilyn Harvey, a Lincoln High School graduate who worked in education, has described the space as a celebration of the diverse cultures of Southeast San Diego. The license would give the concept a permanent address in a neighborhood Harvey says is often overlooked for its cultural vibrancy.

Why it matters

The license would determine whether Encanto gets a permanent book-and-wine space or stays a pop-up-only concept.

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Key Indicators

Type 41
License type applied for
On-sale beer and wine at an eating place, served with food
Applied
License status
Listed as applied for, not yet issued, on October 23, 2026

Voices

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People Involved

Organizations Involved

Timeline

2023 October 2026

3 events Latest: Today
  1. License application appears on ABC list

    Today Regulatory

    Mvinyo Book Bar's beer and wine license application appears on ABC list.

  2. First pop-up event held

    Event

    Mvinyo Book Bar hosts an Earth Day pop-up at Ocean View Growing Grounds in the Encanto Art District.

  3. Mvinyo Book Bar project announced

    Announcement

    Marilyn Harvey announces plans for a book-and-wine bar in Southeast San Diego.

Scenarios

1

License Approved, Mvinyo Book Bar Opens in Encanto

Likely Resolves by Apr 23, 2027

Discussed by: WhatNow San Diego reported the application as part of the business's plans to open

The ABC approves the type 41 license, allowing Mvinyo Book Bar to serve beer and wine with food at 6381 Imperial Avenue. The business opens its doors, becoming a permanent book-and-wine space in Encanto.

2

License Denied or Withdrawn, Pop-Up Model Continues

Possible Resolves by Apr 23, 2027

Discussed by: No specific analyst; a common risk for license applications

The ABC denies the application or Harvey withdraws it, and the business continues as a pop-up concept. The permanent location at 6381 Imperial Avenue does not materialize.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

1960-present

Marcus Books (1960)

Julian and Raye Richardson opened Marcus Books in San Francisco's Fillmore District, making it the oldest Black-owned bookstore in the United States. The store became a gathering place for the Black community, hosting authors and cultural events.

Then

The store became a cultural anchor in the Fillmore, a neighborhood known as the 'Harlem of the West.'

Now

Marcus Books has operated for over 60 years, surviving urban renewal and neighborhood change, and remains a model for Black-owned literary spaces.

Why this matters now

Mvinyo Book Bar aims to be a similar cultural anchor in Southeast San Diego, a neighborhood Harvey says is often overlooked for its cultural vibrancy.

1988-2022

Eso Won Books (1988)

James Fugate and Tom Hamilton opened Eso Won Books in Los Angeles, a Black-owned bookstore that became a cultural institution. It hosted events with prominent authors and political figures.

Then

The store became a hub for Black literary culture in Los Angeles.

Now

Eso Won operated for over three decades before closing, showing both the importance and the challenges of Black-owned bookstores.

Why this matters now

Mvinyo's book-and-wine concept follows this tradition of Black-owned literary spaces, while adding a bar element to attract a broader audience.

Sources

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