TYPE OF BUSINESS: Wine, cheese and light bites bar in Yamhill
County, Willamette Valley, Oregon
LOCATION: Centrally located in the heart of
Oregon’s wine country on the main street of the “great little town”
of Carlton, Oregon – 5
miles from McMinnville, 35 miles Southwest of Portland.
OPERATION AND FACILITY: Portland Monthly Magazine, March
2008: “Carlton has become one of the major hubs of wine country, in
no small part because of the arrival of this wine bar.” Listed in
travel guides such as Frommer’s.
MORE ON FACILITY: A strength of this offering is
the facility and available parking, in addition to ample public
parking. The old, red brick interior and modernization of
facilities by lighting and wine racks, presents well. Local artists
display work on a consignment basis and there is a small owner’s
retail area of wine-related products and foods. Chairs and tables
can be moved readily to redefine the space, depending upon table
population or to provide dancing space. The business occupies a
one-story building, totally 2,500 square feet, with high ceilings
and a rustic but “new” feeling. A patio outside the rear door of
the facility offers flower and garden pots and outdoor dining
tables.
Nothing really like it in the area. The atmosphere is casual,
comfortable and welcoming with couch and table nooks, wrap-around
wine taste area, nibble tables and a wine bar constructed of staves
of barrels. Located in what had been a hardware store, it now
serves
as the local and tourist community gathering place. What started as
a cheese bar has taken on a positive life of its own: Great local
boutique wines by the splash, glass or bottle. Artisan and
international cheeses and gourmet foods. Live music from 7 to 10
pm is featured every Friday and Saturday night and currently,
dancing and/or dance lessons are offered on Wednesday nights. The
space can comfortably accommodate 40+ people and can also have fewer
customers without feeling empty. It is highly recommended that in
the case of larger groups, a second bathroom be installed and the
food prep and storage areas be
enlarged. The business has been in operation more than two years
and has shown continued growth and cash flow. Presently the
premises has an on and off premises OLCC license. Hours of
operation vary by season but generally are noon to 6 pm on weekdays
and noon to 10 pm on weekends. Future owners may choose to expand
weekend hours, especially during the summer, and expand food
offerings. There is a large room toward the back of the facilities
(not separate) which will serve 10-12 at a single table – excellent
for a private event.
MANAGEMENT: The owner manages the business and operations. There
is a daily manager, as well as trained staff who know the business
and offerings well. If desired, the current owner would continue
with the new owner for 30 days/40 hours a week at no compensation,
which timing is negotiable (ie 60 days/20 hours a week, for
example.) The owner manager is a well-regarded networker and has
attracted vintners, wine makers, chefs, merchants and local
residents to the operation who are loyal, repeat customers.
Horse
Radish
What a classy spot this is for tourists and locals both to enjoy an
atmosphere unlike any other in wine country.
problem...
three years of creating and running this exciting and growing business.
Sabra is ready to be less busy. Who knows what new path this
creative entrepreneur will take next? She has some ideas, but
we'll just have to wait and see.
