The opening of the Premier Wine & Spirits shop at 2052 Limestone Road on Dec. 10 had all the markings of a celebration: a toast to the promise of a new business, yes, but also to all the groundwork that had been laid to get there and the economic ripple effect ready to set in. Development of the site (located east of the Kirkwood Highway intersection toward Stanton) started back in 2007; more than 180 construction jobs were created for the project. Add to that the 18 new full-time jobs at the store—general manager Chip Owens estimates that about 30 employees, both full- and part-time, will be working in the building—and the estimated $400,000 in new revenues for state and federal income taxes and payroll taxes. Another $47,000 will go toward New Castle County property taxes. (Premier has an additional location in Newport and is the retail arm of James Street Tavern.)

As for the offerings? Premier’s inventory, contained in about 7,000 square feet of retail space, totals more than 800 beers and roughly 5,000 national, international, and boutique wines, about 85 percent of which are priced under $25 while still being considered what Owens calls “highly rated”—a rating of 88 or above.

But the store’s biggest selling point might be convenience. An underground garage, including elevator, was built for additional parking. A sampling counter was installed for tastings and will host men’s and women’s nights featuring wine specials. Owens touts the wide aisles—they’re 5’9”—that allow customers to make their way through the store easier. He also has his eye toward the sky—he looks up to the ceiling with hopes of painting clouds that add to the decor. “I want this to feel like you’re walking down the street, like you’re in a wine library.”