The craft beer scene is losing one of its longtime retailers.
Wine and Beer Westpark, located on West Broad Street next to a Martin’s grocery store, announced in a newsletter to subscribers that it will close in February after more than seven years in business.
That location used to be ideal for a spirits store, as Ukrop’s shoppers could go next door and buy beer or a bottle of Cabernet. In fact, commercial brokers would seek a beer/wine store to go into shopping centers anchored by Ukrop’s. But that model is not as symbiotic now that Martin’s has taken over and markets its own beer and wine selection.
Owner Matt Lake, said the shop’s lease ends Feb. 29 and instead of renewing, he decided it was time to be on his way.
VACraftBeer.com has the email:
“While we considered alternatives like moving to a different location, ultimately the attraction of starting a family far outweighed starting anew,” Lake said in an email.
“While it’s no secret that the past few years have proven a challenging time for every business, I’ve been particularly struck because of the personal nature of owning an independent store,” Lake said.
Wine and Beer Westpark was previously owned by Chris Anderson. Lake has run it for the last seven years.
The shop sold many American craft beers as well as global imports. It also carried local beers such as Hardywood, Legend and Star Hill.
Wine and Beer Westpark also offered a little something extra for the hard core wine and beer enthusiasts, Beer Theater.Besides selling wine and beer, the shop also held monthly beer tastings.
The event was a monthly video conference where customers would come in and learn from a brew master while sampling some of their beer.
The shop hosted such beer masters as Garrit Oliver of Brooklyn Brewing, James Watt of BrewDog, and Bob Cannon of Sam Adams. It also hosted virtual wine making events.
Jan. 27 will be the shop’s final Beer Theater event.
Lake was interviewed in October in “Work it” about the business and its future.
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Sorry to hear that. Matt is so well informed and knowledgeable. He is an icon in the beer community.
Im excited to see what is lined up next for him.
Chris
What a dissappointment but I am excited that Matt will be starting a family now. He was the epitome of a community business owner and took pride in knowing his products and doing what was best for his customers.
I hope to see Matt around the Richmond community.
Trish
Sad that the store is closing. Very happy for Matt (and Caroline) that new opportunities and experiences are in the pipeline =)
Whatever Matt does, he’ll rock the house. I predict one of the craft distillers, breweries, or a local winery will snap him up.
Or maybe it’s time for something completely different.
Best of luck to him, whatever the path is.
Very sad news. It was a great place and the employees were very educated on their products. Too bad. Another local business goes down.
Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, Cannabis – only ONE lacks the ability to kill. Alcohol consumers deserve the right to switch to the FAR safer recreational drug, Cannabis.
Can’t disagree with J. Galloway an that point!
Well said Galloway
I’ve known Matt for a long time and look forward to watching him take on his next adventure
J. Galloway states; “Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, Cannabis – only ONE lacks the ability to kill.”
None of the above have the ability to kill — however the misuse of any of the above may result in the death of the user(s) and/or other parties.
That being said, I have been a long-time buyer at West Park and am disappointed that Matt and Spencer (sp?) will no longer be there. Best of luck in the future to both of you.
what about the gift certificate i received? its for a good size sum? are you giving me the money back?
But of course, Holly :]
Sorry to see you go, all the best. Tom