Newmarket Main Street business owner Omar Saer has been a comic fan for much of his life.
As a kid, he said he would go regularly to a local comic store near his home in Texas. As a youth, he worked in a comic book store, which he called one of the best jobs he’s ever had. As an adult, he would frequent Fourth Dimension Comics on Main Street Newmarket, getting there when he could on his days running the Cardinal Press Espresso Bar.
But with Fourth Dimension Comics now closed, Saer wants to bring comics back to Main Street.
“I never lost my love for the medium. It was really strange for me,” Saer said of the closure, adding that there are now no comic stores within 30 minutes of downtown Newmarket … "which is really unfortunate.”
Saer plans to fill that gap by opening Wayside Comics and Cocktails in the existing location of Wayside Tavern. The business owner is converting the space with plans to add comic books and collectibles while still maintaining a bar.
It is a solid fit, Saer said, with the tavern already attracting a substantial “geek” crowd. The business already hosts events like video game nights and has media like Star Wars as part of the decor.
“I have that itch,” he said, adding he wants to create a space “where you can come, you can buy your comics, you can buy games, high-end stuff. You can sit down and have a drink and talk to like-minded people.”
The concept has received a positive reception from some of the followers of Wayside Tavern on social media.
“Love how you follow your passion and dreams! Can't wait to see it,” one local said on Instagram.
“Congrats, and good luck. We've loved being part of the journey,” The Red Thread Brewing Co. said.
The reception has been better than Saer expected, he said, adding he had some concern about losing bar regulars.
“They love geek culture. I’ve gotten a great response,” he said.
The tavern at 198 Main St. S. plans to close Aug. 12, before two weeks of renovations to soft open as Wayside Comics and Cocktails Aug. 30. Saer said they also plan to have a grand opening sometime in September.
Saer hopes to have his passion for comics reflected in the store.
“I’m kind of an all-or-nothing person. I really hope that basis for what I’m doing here translates,” he said, adding comic book store “is a special place. It’s a place you can go to that’s a little escape.”
