Pelham Comics and Collectibles, founded by Pelham native Josh Cabrera, opened on December 13 with a launch party and ribbon-cutting ceremony. This lively shop welcomes kids and teens to meet up, play games and explore new worlds, while adults can browse and enjoy some throwback vibes.

Cabrera’s passion for comics began when he was growing up in Pelham, where he attended Hutchinson Elementary, Pelham Middle School and Pelham Memorial High School. Every day after school, he would walk  down Fifth Avenue to a video rental store filled with trading cards and arcade cabinets. The shop became his safe place to unwind and explore different worlds after busy school days.

After college, Cabrera taught high school, then got into restaurant management. He was part of the team that opened the first Chick-Fil-A franchise in Manhattan a decade ago and said he learned a lot from the experience about how to manage a business with a focus on profit and loss.

Cabrera moved back to Pelham with his family three years ago with one dream: to open his own comic book store.  “I wanted to create something similar where students can gather and have a good time after school,” he said. Meanwhile, he developed a sense of the market for comics, collectibles and games by buying and selling items online.

The selection at Pelham Comics and Collectibles includes rare and collectible as well as modern comics, board games, figurines, trading cards, manga, and more.  Cabrera markets his products on Instagram (@pelhamcomics), where he featured a local teenager finding a card worth $140 dollars in a $30 pack of trading cards.

Cabrera says he’s grateful to the family members and friends who encouraged him to open the store. One friend–YouTube personality DJ Linx, who attended the store opening–described his excitement about being able to help. “Being a lifelong comic book fan, I think all of us, that’s kind of our dream,” said Linx.

“I wouldn’t be able to do this without the support of my family,” said Cabrera. “They’ve helped out with setting up the store, bringing me home-cooked meals, taking care of our two children, and most of all, being patient with me as I’ve been working late nights and weekends.”

When asked about the challenges of opening a small business in Pelham, Cabrera said, “I mean, rent is high everywhere. But I would say overall the community has been super-welcoming.”

Artist Izzy Verse also attended the opening, providing free detailed and colorful sketches of characters. “We hope to have many different artists, writers, and other creators as guests, especially when they have a new work that has just been released,” Cabrera said.

For readers curious about comics or wanting to explore the collectibles world, Cabrera, DJ Linx and Izzy Verse recommend the comic series Absolute Batman because it is popular right now. Cabrera also recommends the Godzilla series, another favorite of readers.

Currently, the new store is hosting weekly events, such as a Monday after-school Pokemon trading card game, a Wednesday board game night, and Magic the Gathering on Thursdays. Cabrera is hoping to add even more events to the schedule.

“Come by, hang out, and have a good time,” he said. “We are open for everybody!”