Burke’s new ABC Store to feature modern upgrades, tasting bar

Burke residents can get ready for a new and improved ABC Store in February. The curbside West Fleming Drive location is moving to 412-A W. Fleming Drive, former home of The Salvation Army in the Tannery Square plaza. Residents can expect to begin shopping at the new and improved location Monday, Feb. 17.

The Salvation Army vacated the space in July, and the ABC store has signed a 10-year lease with Airlie Properties for the 10,000-square-foot building. Meanwhile, Case Farms is in negotiations to purchase the former ABC store site for $600,000, having already submitted a deposit.

“We have a contract. We have not closed on that building yet, but we have a deposit. As far as I know, everything seems to be good there,” Steve Gregory, chairman of the ABC board, said.

The new location will up the inventory 40% from the previous location. The facility will include a 6,500-square-foot shopping area and 3,500-square-foot warehouse with office space, restrooms, a break room, safe room, three loading docks, and Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) office.

Gregory credits Airlie Properties, Perkins Heating and Air, WNC Plumbing, Atlantic Electric, Wes Ward (maintenance), and James Hester (site manager) for their work at the new location.

“I’m just so excited about it,” Gregory said. “I’ve had people who have said it should be right on the side of the street, but if somebody wants to buy a bottle of liquor, they’re gonna find us.”

Coated with blue Epoxy flooring described as the wow factor by the team, the new design will feature 10 aisles of inventory, three cash registers, a cooler for pre-made cocktails, and a bar on the back wall for tasting events.

“We’re trying to move into the 21st century. We’ve all been around to other stores in the state to gather ideas which has helped us be able to visualize things better,” Gregory said.

The cooler for premade cocktails will be a standout addition to the new location. Gregory said he’s seen a big push for pre-made, ready-to-drink cocktails for new restaurants coming to the area and customers to purchase during summer months.

Connie Jackson, store manager, displayed a large grin as she dished about the ‘Cocktails & Dreams’ neon sign that will be showcased in the bar area, inspired by the 1980s Tom Cruise rom-com, “Cocktail.”

“And when we have a tasting, we’ll have another neon sign that comes on that says, ‘the bar is open,’” Jackson said with an excited yelp.

“We’re gonna put a mirror in the back of it with a couple bottles on it so it’ll look like a bar at your house,” Gregory added. “The bar will have a functional sink and room underneath for a refrigerator.”

Wilma Carswell, general manager of the ABC Store, said there will be more displays, an ode to Table Rock, a large purple throne chair, and even a life-sized gold pig named Willie inspired by Whistlepig Whiskey.

“As you come in the front doors, there’s going to be a lighted, neon sign of Table Rock at the entrance,” Carswell said.

The store will offer a fresh shopping experience in a modern facility, featuring more parking, and additional tastings.

The official grand opening is set for Feb. 24. Gregory hopes to confirm the attendance of the ABC Commissioners, City Council, and County Commissioners. The event will feature tastings and allocated bourbon for the store’s bourbon hunters.

“The ABC Commission was kind enough to send us a large allocation of bourbons that we don’t normally have for our grand opening,” Gregory said.

According to Gregory, there will be no gap between the closing of the old location and the new one. The previous site will close Saturday, Feb. 15, and the remaining moving and point-of-sale system set up will be completed by Sunday, Feb. 16, allowing the new location to open on the morning of Feb. 17.

“It will be fully stocked before it ever opens up,” Gregory said.

The store will receive one truck of inventory on Jan. 29 and the second load Feb. 6.

“We’re trying to set a whole new standard,” Gregory said. “We want this to be a WOW shopping experience for everyone. That’s what we’re looking for.”