DreamHaven Books in Minneapolis sees sales surge after protest photo of owner circulates widely online

A local shop’s sudden national attention

DreamHaven Books & Comics, a long-running Minneapolis specialty bookstore focused on science fiction, fantasy, horror, and comics, has experienced a sharp rise in orders and customer outreach after an image of its owner at a recent protest spread widely on social media.

The photo shows store owner Greg Ketter moving through a haze of chemical irritant during a demonstration that followed the death of Alex Pretti, who was killed on Jan. 24, 2026 in Minneapolis during an encounter involving federal immigration enforcement personnel. The shooting occurred a short distance from DreamHaven, drawing crowds and prompting renewed protests in the area.

What the store owner said happened

Ketter told journalists he went to the protest after learning about Pretti’s death, describing the event as personally significant because it unfolded in his neighborhood. He said he did not seek publicity and was surprised to learn he had been photographed.

Ketter said he did not run and described himself as walking through the scene as the protest unfolded.

In the days after the photo circulated, DreamHaven received increased traffic both in-store and online, including orders from outside Minnesota and messages of support from customers across the United States and abroad. Ketter said the volume of attention was high enough to temporarily overwhelm the store’s website.

Community response and how money is being handled

Some customers visited DreamHaven in person after seeing the image online, saying they wanted to support the store and its owner. Ketter has also addressed donations connected to the attention, stating that any money sent through an older fundraising page associated with the store would be redirected to local food shelves.

DreamHaven’s place in Minneapolis book culture

DreamHaven operates at 2301 E. 38th St. and is known for its concentration on genre fiction and comics, including new and used titles. The store has roots stretching back decades: Ketter began operating a storefront business in the late 1970s and later built DreamHaven into a recognized destination for genre readers and collectors.

While the recent surge in sales has been tied to a specific image and moment, Ketter has indicated he plans to continue running the business as usual—fulfilling orders, serving walk-in customers, and keeping the store’s focus on books and comics.

• Business affected: DreamHaven Books & Comics, 2301 E. 38th St., Minneapolis
• Trigger for attention: widely shared protest photo featuring the owner
• Immediate result: increased online orders, messages, and in-person support
• Donation handling: funds routed from an older fundraising page to local food shelves

The episode highlights how quickly a local business can become a focal point during a fast-moving news cycle—particularly when a single image connects commerce, community identity, and a developing public event.