Owned by Kelsey Hall and Rebecca Kratzer, The Book Cellar aims to offer customers a curated, personalized experience. The owners said the business idea came after an unsuccessful shopping trip in Great Bend left them unable to find a book for a friend at a local big-box store, prompting them to look for other options in Barton County.
In their current setup, Hall and Kratzer described licensing and operational limits that affect events—such as not allowing private events, requiring a strict sales ratio, and prohibiting outside vendors. They also said their biggest challenge is directing available funds toward improving their space rather than expanding immediately.
If selected for the $50,000 grand prize, the owners said they would make repairs to their current location, expand to include more inventory, and begin work on an event space next door. Great Bend Economic Development’s IGNITE finalists also include Great Bend Play Place, Little Window Restaurant Group, Sugar Co., and The Zarah Coffee Shop.