Note: You may send questions not addressed on this page to info@rrbbookstore.com
RRB FAQS
PURPOSE
Why this name?
Jambalaya. Jollof. Spanish rice. Red Rice.
The beauty of the African Diaspora is everywhere though co-founders KG and Vanessa engaged with the beauty most often through food and literature.
Few know that Red Rice Books (formerly Red Rice & Beans Diaspora Bookstore or RRB) was intended to be a coffee shop (beans, get it now?) with a small selection of books. While that vision is still alive and well, KG and Vanessa sought to keep the original idea embedded in the bookstore’s name while building their concept brick by brick (or byte by byte, if you will).
Where are you?
We are cooking up fresh literature and nourishing goods from Charlotte, NC! KG, a Charlotte native, and Vanessa, a Charlotte transplant, met while attending Davidson College (NC) and have been scheming ever since. Years later they became neighbors intent on starting this venture in the Queen City.
Where can we find you?
Due to SARS COVID-19, we opened our bookstore virtually with plans for pop-ups and in-person book buying experiences when it is absolutely safe to do so. Until then, you can find us open 24/7 from this website or via our partner sites:
How do we contact you?
We love to hear from the fam! You may contact us at any time in the following ways:
Additionally, we would love to interact with you via social media on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and ClubHouse. If you’d like to review a text or send comments about a book, feel free to use the review and rating tools built-in to our product page (“The Goods”).
PLANS
When will you be in person?
March 2025 as a hybrid bookstore. We are excited by the possibilities virtual bookselling offer and, in all transparency, are big fans of #travellingwhileBlack. Our online platform allows us to explore the Diaspora, enriching the perspectives on our platforms and expanding our own knowledge about the Diaspora’s literary ecosystem.
What do you offer at Red Rice Books (RRB)?
At this time we offer:
All Black food writing.
Hardcover and paperback books from major trade presses, small presses carrying Diaspora authors, independent presses owned and operated by members of the Diaspora, and from independent Diaspora authors;
Additional books via Bookshop;
Audiobooks via Libro.FM;
Ebooks via Kobo;
And, in the future, store-branded merchandise and products from Diaspora businesses.
Do you provide gift cards?
In due time.
Will you hold events?
In due time.
PROCESS
How do I support RRB with an order?
We appreciate every order and we love to see it. You can begin an order from the site two ways:
- Create an account (email, phone number, and password required) and then begin browsing the site.
- Browse the site and add tasty items to your “cart”. Choose to create an account or check out as a guest.
Both roads lead to fresh literature and nourishing goods but be sure you pay attention to the product(s)’s format and status.
Hardcover- a book distributed with a hard cover or covered cardboard (also known as a hardback book)
Paperback- a book distributed with a soft cover or thick paper (also known as a softcover or softback book)
Ebook- a book publication in digital form including images or text or both (also known as an electronic book)
Audiobook- a recording of a book or other work being read out loud (also known as a talking book)
Pre-order- This status indicates orders an item that has not yet been released
Back Order- This status indicates an order for a text that cannot be filled at the current time due to a lack of available supply
While shopping, the displayed subtotal in your “cart” does not reflect the full price. Shipping and taxes will be calculated and included at checkout. But don’t worry! You may continue ordering from our menu by clicking the bookstore’s logo in the header section of our site and searching for products using the search bar at the top right corner of the main page or by returning to “The Goods” at any time.
At any time, you may change the quantity of the product(s) in your cart by increasing the number beside each product to change to the desired quantity. From the same page (within your “cart”), you can view the details of a product by clicking on the product’s title or image.
To remove an item from your shopping bag, click on the “Remove from cart” button to the right of the item you wish to remove. The page will refresh automatically and your cart will be updated.
Placing an item in your shopping bag does not automatically reserve the item for you. An item may sit in your cart for 1.5 hours before being automatically removed. No idle carts are charged without our permission.
If you are interested in supporting RRB outside of our online store, we encourage you to visit one or more of our affiliate sites. Please review related policies on affiliate sites before purchasing.
What if I want to donate to RRB?
At this time, we are not accepting any physical donations. We do accept the following donations:
- Donations to our PayPal account;
- Books donations that we can give to other Diaspora Readers (add “DONATION” to the notes section of your order);
- Love, light, and laughter– beautiful words and good vibes go a long way;
- Feedback and support–we are two educators transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship. We welcome solution-oriented feedback at any time. While we may not always reply immediately, we will always acknowledge receipt.
To learn more about shipping and returns, please visit our “Shipping Policy” page. To learn more about payment options, please visit our “Payment Policy” page.
How do I know if I placed my order successfully?
Compliments to the chefs because they never disappoint. You will receive the following emails after placing an orders with RRB:
- Invoice/ Order Details
- Order Processing
- Order Shipped
- Order Completed
PULL UP
Seats at the Table for Our Indie Family
Indie Authors
For more information, visit our contact page dedicated to independent authors and, if relevant, their agents. At any time, you may email info@rrbbookstore.com if that page does not answer your question(s). Please do not rely on replies to inbox messages, direct messages, or other chats on various social media platforms.
Indie Presses
For more information, visit our contact page dedicated to independent publishers and presses. At any time, you may email info@rrbbookstore.com if that page does not answer your question(s). Please do not rely on replies to inbox messages, direct messages, or other chats on various social media platforms.
Small Businesses
For more information, visit our contact page dedicated to independent businesses. At any time, you may email info@rrbbookstore.com if that page does not answer your question(s). Please do not rely on replies to inbox messages, direct messages, or other chats on various social media platforms.
Seats at the Table for Our Community
Please contact RRB at info@rrbbookstore.com with inquiries concerning partnerships with schools, community organizations, non-profits, businesses, or other entities. We look forward to hearing from you.