The Last Call Wine and Spirits store is finally open for business in its new location in the Courtyard at the Center on Main Street and apparently has been well accepted by the majority of the other tenants.
After two weeks of back-breaking work, massive movement of fine wines, spirits and beers, Vincent J. House Jr. the permittee, and a military veteran was able to get the doors of the new location open to the public.
The new location for the store is located in the rear of the Courtyard at the Center and can be accessed by Main Street or the side street at the traffic light just before the church on Main Street. Take a quick right from Main Street at the intersection and then another quick right and you will find yourself in the rear of the Courtyard.
There are about six parking spaces in the front and on the side of the store which are designated for 15-minute parking so that customers should be able to get in and out of the store with a minimum of parking problems.
One would hope that customers using the restaurants and Mandell's Haircutters would look before they park and not take up the 15-minute spots if they are going to be in that location for a period of time.
The new store is just about double the size of the old store and give customers more room to walk around and check out the racks and racks of wines.
House has also installed larger beer coolers so that one does not have to climb up on the step of the cooler to get a single of beer as was the condition in the old store.
The store is bright and clean and it is clear that House and his staff have put a lot of time and effort into making the store a more customer-friendly place.
The lottery machine is now on the side of the main counter, which I think could have been made at least one or two sizes larger.
Last Call will be competing with the Devon News who also has a lottery machine.
However, the customer service level at Last Call is far better than the Devon News.
I have stopped at Devon News twice to use their ATM and listened to a major screaming argument between the staff and customers over some issue I could not understand.
If it is legal, House might consider installing an ATM in his place, it would make him a little more money since I have been told the store owner gets a cut of the ATM transaction.
Hopefully the commuter customers who in the past were able to get off the train, run in grab an adult beverage and then head for the hills will continue to make a stop in the establishment.
It is a short walk down Main Street from the train station or a few minute drive with good parking potential.
Now that he has the room, I hope House and his staff will work to expanding their selection of wines.
House might consider bringing in some cheese and cracker assortments that would go well with the wines.
Another idea, now that he has the space would be gift baskets, with the holiday's fast approaching a bottle of fine wine, corkscrews, cheese, crackers and other items all in a bright gift basket might be the way to go as a last minute go and grab gift for friends and family.
His staff seems to be well-educated on the contents of the store, are eager to help and will be more than willing to show you around to get the feel of where ever thing is located.
Hopefully he will do well in the new location and the business will continue to expand with a combination of new and old customers.
Unless you are a joe sixpack with bud and chips and your favoriate food please try a good Aussi wine like Yellow Tail. The reds go good with meat and pasta and are better for you.Station House Wine Bar and Grill has a wine class Wednesday and for a small fee you can get a good education and sample what wines go with what foods.