Outwords Books, Gifts & Coffee was opened on July 9, 1993 by Carl M. Szatmary. It was a natural for Szatmary, who had been writing book reviews for both In Step magazine and Wisconsin Light newspaper for years. Originally named "AfterWords Bookstore & Espresso Bar", it was located just north of Park Place on N. Murray, on Milwaukee's fashionable East Side.

Just weeks after the store opened, another Grand Opening was held for its Cafe business, off to one side of the store.

From the outset, the business hosted such events as author talks and readings, and regular book club sessions. In addition to frequent advertising in local LGBT periodicals, they also published Best Books lists each month, around the holidays and at year-end, and even printed a semi-regular newsletter for patrons.

The business was forced to change its name to "OutWords Books, Gifts & Coffee" in 2001 due to a trademark issue with another "Afterwords" bookstore in Washington D.C. The business continued to thrive however, and continues to operate in 2023.