NEW YORK (AP) -- Barnes & Noble is turning to an age-old partnership to help it revive its business: literature and alcohol.
The New York bookseller says it is opening four "concept" stores in the next year that will feature restaurants with an expanded menu including beer and wine.
The first concept store will open in Eastchester, New York, in October, followed by locations in Edina, Minnesota; Folsom, California, and Loudon, Virginia.
The company said Thursday that it had named its chief operating officer, Jaime Carey, to head a newly created restaurant division.
Barnes & Noble on Wednesday reported lower total sales and lower sales in established locations in its most recent quarter. The chain, which owns 640 bookstores nationwide, now offers pastries, sandwiches, Starbucks coffee and Wi-Fi in its cafes.
