In today’s age of book megastores, it seems small, independent bookshops have sadly reached their final chapter. Of course, there are some exceptions — just ask Gail Behrns.

As owner of Shakespeare and Company — an independent bookshop/coffee shop/bistro in Kernersville — Behrns says business is doing “surprisingly well.” Like most successful small bookstores, the shop thrives off its literary knowledge and neighborly service. Behrns knows most of her customers by name and face, knows what they like to read, even knows how they like their coffee. “It’s like Cheers in here,” she says.

Behrns and her husband, Wade, opened the shop in 2006 shortly after moving from San Diego. The name comes from the original Shakespeare and Company, a famed bookstore in Paris that operated from 1919 to 1941. Needing room to grow, the couple moved the shop into a renovated factory on North Main Street last year. With a rustic aesthetic and outdoor courtyard, the building is the perfect setting for the shop’s simple charm.

Along with a wide range of books — all of which are carefully hand-selected by Behrns — the shop’s shelves are lined with an assortment of eclectic items, including hand-painted wine glasses, handmade wooden toys, and handcrafted clocks. The onsite coffee shop (which doubles as a wine bar) serves sandwiches, tarts, and other locally baked goods. In addition, Behrns welcomes a variety of art- and literary-based events, such as book signings and outdoor concerts.

Add it all up, and you’ve got a shop that’s trying to break the rules in a big-box world. “We have people come in just to say, ‘We’re so glad you’re here,’ ” Behrns notes. “Hearing things like that really makes us proud.”

Shakespeare and Company is at 210 N. Main St. in Kernersville. For hours, information, and events, call 336-993-1050 or go to shakespeareinkernersville.com