MOOSE JAW — Raise your glass and toast to Moose Jaw’s newest wine, beer, and spirits retailer, Maple Wine & Spirits, which is located where Pizza Hut once stood and brings an independent retail alternative with a community-minded owner focused on promoting local breweries.
Maple Wine & Spirits celebrated a soft opening on April 2 and final preparations were completed for its grand opening on May 31.
“I’m kind of a slow-paced (planner) and want to work in the long-term,” said the company’s owner, who did not wish to be named. “I would like my business to stay in the community and become part of the community.”
Maple Wine & Spirits currently features over 1,500 products with an emphasis on local breweries and products.
Although he wished to leave his name out, the young Saskatchewan Polytechnic graduate said he completed his computer science degree but preferred not to stay in a desk job. His business background is evident in his well-thought-out approach to the new enterprise.
The owner said he choose Moose Jaw to settle because it provides an ideally sized community, is close to Regina, and said there’s plenty of room for growth. He pointed to the new Great Plains Power Station currently under construction, 15 Wing Moose Jaw, the rail yards, and a thriving downtown core to support this position.
Not wanting to compete with other established businesses, the young entrepreneur said he chose the spirits retail industry because of government regulated prices that make it fairer for new entrants to get established. He also said he’s mindful of escalating grocery prices which he did not want to contribute to – let alone compete with.
The new owner said he’s received a lot of support and positive feedback from the community so far, and feels his experience is in line with Moose Jaw’s historic motto, “The Friendly City.”
“I get lots of help from the locals here, and from my landlord,” he said. “I didn’t know a lot of people when I first came to town, but they helped me set up my business here and I appreciate the support.”
One novel concept at Maple Wine & Spirits is an ongoing product taste-testing feature set to run every Friday afternoon from 3 – 6 p.m. Here, the primary goal is to showcase products from local brewers so that more customers can discover what these companies have to offer.
A few of these proud Saskatchewan-based brands currently include names such as Pile O’ Bones, District, and Rebellion Brewing.
As the business continues to grow, its owner plans to incorporate an ever-increasing complement of these local products in the spirit of a mutually beneficial relationship.
“(I’m keeping the prices fair) so everybody has a win-win situation,” he said. “If I’m making money, then they are also making money (and people are) spending money in Saskatchewan (which promotes) long-term economic growth.”
The owner of Maple Wine & Sprits said he’s proud to call Moose Jaw his new home and hopes his vision helps inspire others to stay community minded.
“We all need to buy local more often; this support will help build a fuller and better community.”
Maple Wine & Spirits is situated in the former Pizza Hut franchise location at 815 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-693-3105.
The business is open daily from 8 a.m. – 3 a.m. Keep an eye out for an upcoming website that will kick-start a free delivery option for customers early this summer.
