Wine Barrel liquor store will open in the former Santander Bank space on the corner of Springfield Avenue and Prospect Street this fall.
The owner, Atul Gupta, was approved for a place-to-place plenary liquor license at Tuesday’s Maplewood Township Committee meeting. Gupta currently owns Buy Rite Discount Liquors in Boonton, NJ, but the Maplewood store will be independently operated.
He will rent the space with a five-year lease and an option to extend to 20 years. Gupta said he plans to make some changes to the interior but will keep the exterior as it is.
As part of the licensing procedure, Gupta agreed he would not permit straws, free paper cups or certain size bottles of beer and alcohol. In addition to wine, beer and liquor, customers will be able to purchase crackers and cheese.
The store will feature a large craft beer selection, Gupta told the TC, which was acting as the Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Gupta has been seeking a new space in Maplewood for some time.
“I’m glad it has worked out,” said Mayor Vic DeLuca.
DeLuca told The Village Green he had been speaking with Gupta about different locations around town, and in the end the parties were able to make a deal on a lease.
“I think this will be a great addition to the Springfield Avenue retail mix,” said DeLuca. “The property has off-street parking and the 5,000+ square feet of retail space will allow for a wide selection of liquor, wine and beer, including craft beers. The store will offer competitive pricing and will help draw shoppers to the Avenue.”
