Galesburg is officially home of one of downstate Illinois’ largest “one stop” liquor stores.
Northern Illinois-based chain Liquor ‘n’ Wine opened its ninth store Wednesday morning at 1576 N. Henderson St., the former site of Northgate Lanes bowling center. The new store is about 40,000 square feet, including 28,000 square feet for the retail store that will carry around 4,000 items. A rentable 16,000 square foot banquet space called The Junction will seat approximately 700 people and is expected open within a month on the far south end of the building.
Liquor ‘n’ Wine also features a full-service, 25-occupancy bar, gaming machines and a large tobacco humidor room that offers a wide variety of cigars.
Dhyan Patel, vice president of Liquor ‘n’ Wine, tells WGIL, “We were looking to create a one-stop liquor store where the customer can come and pretty much find anything they are looking for.
“I don’t think you’ll find a liquor store this big or with this many items in a 150 mile radius.
In addition to many varieties of beer, Patel said Liquor ‘n’ Wine offers nearly 700 wine options, 200 types of bourbon, and entire sections of vodka, tequila, Scotch and more.
Liquor ‘n’ Wine is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Original plans called for the complete demolition of the former bowling alley and attached restaurant, however Liquor ’n’ Wine president and CEO Manish Patel said they found the building to be structurally sound, so they used the frame for its new facility.
“It’s amazing to finally be open in Galesburg,” said Manish Patel. “Our business model is to go into smaller towns and provide the choices and services you would find in larger towns, with similar prices.
“We believe Galesburg is a great location. We always go to city hall first, and the people in Galesburg were great to work with.”
Patel said the Galesburg store will carry popular speciality beers from the Chicago area, in addition to working to feature beers from local breweries.
Liquor ‘n’ Wine, which marked its opening with a ribbon cutting Wednesday afternoon with with Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, currently has locations in St. Charles, Rochelle, Geneva, Dixon, Genoa, Ottawa, Sterling and Pontiac.
