BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN — An 8,500-square-foot independent liquor store is expected to open this month in Wegmans food market at the Epicentre, Route 9.
Township Committee members voted 5-0 on Jan. 14 to approve a person-to-person and place-to-place transfer of an inactive plenary retail distribution license from David S. Steiner to JWG Fine Wines and Spirits.
"Mr. Steiner bid for a distribution license a few years back, and it has been inactive since that time," said RoseAnn Weeden, municipal clerk. "He has now decided to transfer it over to JWG Fine Wines and Spirits."
Attorney John Vassallo, representing JWG Fine Wines and Spirits, said he believes the owner, Joan Goldberg, is aiming for a February opening.
"The store will specialize in fine wines," said Vassallo. "People will be able to learn something about wine and how to pair wines with good food. She hopes to make it a good complement to the Wegmans supermarket."
Lisa Neumann, who will manage the liquor store, said there will be about 1,000 wines in stock. There store will also stock imported beer. Information will be available to suggest wine and food combinations.
Goldberg said she is excited about coming to the Manalapan area to help educate customers about food and wine pairing.
The new liquor store will be in the area of Wegmans where such items as patio furniture, barbecue grills, Christmas trees and decorations were previously displayed for sale.
Two entrances to the liquor store will allow customers to enter from the Epicentre parking lot or directly from inside Wegmans.