Cheers! Sudbury Wine & Spirits Open for Business

At first look, you wouldn't think Sudbury Wine & Spirits, the newest liquor store in town, is open for business.

Glancing through the big bay window from the parking lot in the Rugged Bear Plaza, one can see half-empty shelves, boxes, and small pieces of plywood ... not to mention the numerous workers and salespeople helping build and stock shelves.

But as of Monday morning, the Saia family of Sudbury received their liquor license and can officially begin to serve customers.

"We were hoping to be open in October. But everything takes time ... usually longer than you think," says Chris Saia, 35. "Our big focus now is for Christmas. We'll be up and running in the next week or so."

Chris says the family is planning a grand opening some time in early to mid-December. But since they have their liquor license in hand, they'll be happy to serve any customer who walks though the doors.

"Our credit card system is working," Chris says. "We plan on having big tastings and sales in early to mid-December. We want people to come in and say, 'This is it!'"

Once complete, Chris, along with his parents, Joe, 65, and Mary Ann, 66, plan to offer the community something it hasn't seen before in a liquor store. Customers can expect the usual brands of beer, wine and liquor, but it won't stop there.

The back, right corner of the store will be designed with a booth to educate customers on certain products while offering tastings in front of what will be a working fireplace.

"We'll do Wine 101 from different countries and you can come in and do a tasting. We think the community was ripe for something a little bit different," Chris says. "We know there's other stores around that sell products like ours, but we think there's a little gap for smaller production wines, more craft beers, artisanal liquors ... stuff that you don't see everywhere else.

"If you're used to the big, more mass-produced wine, well you can come in a try something they make only 25 cases of. Something that gets shipped over in refrigerated containers, is kept at the perfect temperature, and grown from the old world."

Focusing on customer service is what the Saias believe will be the key to their success. On any given day customers may have the opportunity to talk with wine makers and supply representatives who will teach them about the products they sell. 

"It's a sophisticated clientele that lives here," Chris says. "We think this community would appreciate those kind of items."

The Saias are no stranger to the liquor business. Joe Saia has 40 years experience and has owned West Concord Liquors since 1981. Mary Ann handles the books while Chris has spent the majority of his life helping out in various ways.

"I plan to spend 20 to 30 hours in Sudbury and 20 to 30 hours in Concord managing both stores," Chris says.

Sudbury Wine & Spirits will do more than offer the traditional beers, wines and spirits. Chris says they will be focused on highly rated wines, featured importers, local distillers and craft beers from New England.

Despite missing the Thanksgiving rush, the Saias are confident they will be ready for the December holidays. And confident their business is just the thing the Town of Sudbury has been waiting for.

"It's going to be a neighborhood shop, a more upscale neighborhood shop with stuff you won't find in the big box stores or supermarkets," Chris says. "We wanted to be open (for Thanksgiving). It's too bad we didn't get it done in time. We'll have to try that much harder to get it ready and make it a beautiful shop for the holiday and Christmas season."

To learn more about Sudbury Wine & Spirits, check them out on their Facebook page or their Sudbury Wine & Spirits webpage.