After 20 Years, The Larsons Say Goodbye To Colonial Wine & Spirits

Through fire, union strikes and economic downturns, Bruce and Caroline Larson have weathered some of the worst obstacles a business owner can face over the past two decades, always coming out on top. On March 21, they’ll say goodbye to Colonial Wine & Spirits for the last time.

“We’ve made a lot of wonderful, wonderful friends,” said Bruce. “It’s really remarkable and I’m going to miss it.”

For the Larsons, the recent medical maladies of the past year made them realize it was time to enjoy the golden years. Last year Caroline underwent a double knee replacement surgery while Bruce was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. After the year of “really bad health,” the two decided to focus on themselves and say goodbye to their business of 20 years.

“I mean, do you really want to work until you drop or do you want to go out and have fun?” said Bruce.

If all goes smoothly in the next few weeks, the couple will turn the business over to Kalpesh Patel who owns several out-of-state liquor stores.

The couple does not know if the new owner plans to change the store’s name or move in a different direction. As of this week, the new owner does not plan to maintain the current staff.

Building The Reputation

According to Bruce Larson, a liquor store has existed at that location since 1947, when it was a popular spot among the military folks in Quonset. In August 1991, the Larsons took over the business and made their indelible mark on North Kingstown. 

One of the store’s biggest changes came after a fire broke out in the rear section of the building.

In true Larson fashion, Caroline turned a negative into a positive, remodeling the store to incorporate a large selection of wines, changing the name from Colonial Liquors to Colonial Wine & Spirits. The store’s selection and staff knowledge, especially Caroline’s, brought wine lovers from all over the state into the little store on Post Road.

“That’s what kind of built our niche,” said Caroline. “We have unique wines and a knowledgable staff.”

According to Caroline, the store houses approximately 700 wines at any given time with 200 of them rotating. At one point, the store had 900 different wines under its roof.

The store also began holding some of the first in-store wine tastings in the state and had a cult-like following.

On The Horizon

As for the future, the Larsons hope to do something they haven’t been able to do in nearly 20 years. Relax.

Caroline looks to visit more vineyards and continue to expand her knowledge and love of wine. She said she is open to private wine tastings in the future.

According to the Larsons, one of the hardest parts of letting go is saying goodbye to the store’s loyal customers.

“We feel fortunate that our store has such a great reputation and someone wanted to buy it,” said Caroline. “We just hope [the new owners] will offer good products and treat our customers well.”