You can always get what you want at Noblesville’s oldest continuously family-owned package liquor store.By Krista Bocko
Current in Noblesville
Four years ago, L.A. resident Bryan Glover returned home to Indiana for a family visit. He left with a whole new career as co-owner of a family business.
Call it fate. Call it perfect timing. Glover, frustrated with corporate America, had just “done a foolish thing” by quitting his corporate job. Being passionate about wines, and trying to figure out what to do next, he wrote a business plan to open a wine bar. He brought it with him to Indiana to get his uncle Myron’s opinion. Myron Glover, the owner of Mr. G’s Liquors in Noblesville, was in the midst of renovating the store. The plan included expanding the store’s massive wine department and, being a wine enthusiast, Bryan was excited.
So, when Myron casually suggested that Bryan consider becoming involved with the family business as a co-owner, an agreeable Bryan started making plans to move back here after almost 30 years in L.A.
“It sort of just evolved into ‘you know what? Maybe this is a really good idea. This is a great opportunity. Perhaps I can put this other idea (the wine bar) on the back burner and really get involved with this next generation of Mr. G’s to keep this family business going,’ ” said Bryan.
Mr. G’s was founded in 1977 by longtime Noblesville residents and family members Elijah, Wayne and Myron Glover. Over the past three decades, the store has evolved into a 5,000-square foot package liquor store that outgrew its previous two locations.
When Mr. G’s was founded, there were only two other package liquor stores in Noblesville, and those were the only places alcohol could be purchased. Today, the competition includes superstores, grocery stores and drug stores.
Mr. G’s takes their mission to provide great selection and customer service seriously.
“We’ve been around here a long time,” said Bryan. “A lot of our customers have been coming to this store for years, and we know them by name. We’ll carry your beer to your car for you. People like to feel special, and we try really hard to make them feel special in that way.”
“We want to have the products that our customers want,” Myron added. “There are always new products that are coming out so we keep our ears open for that.”
It’s no coincidence that the business newsletter is called “We’ve Got It.”
“If there’s something you want that we don’t have, we will get it for you,” Bryan said. “People know that ‘those guys will get me what I want.’”
Mr. G’s is like a candy store for alcohol buyers, with surprises and delights around every corner. The wine department, with many exotic and Indiana wines, is extensive. The store also stocks an array of trendy, craft beers, as well as seasonal products such as Pumpkin Spice Liqueur.
Mr. G’s offers individual bottles of craft beer for customers to build their own six- pack. General manager Kirk Baird, who has been with the store for 32 years, is an expert on them.
“We can’t possibly taste everything (in the store),” Bryan said, “but Kirk probably did taste the beer.
“There’s a lot of thought that goes into craft beer selection. There’s something different for each thing that you’re trying to do. If you’re sitting on your patio on a hot summer evening, the kind of beer you may want is very different than if you’re inside by the fireplace in December. ”
And if a customer is overwhelmed with choices and doesn’t know what to choose?
“We can tell by that look in your eye that you don’t know what you’re looking for and we make an effort to talk and make suggestions to you,” Bryan said. “We really try very hard to get to know you in some way and remember when you come back the next time what it was that you tried.”
Mr. G’s
2209 E. Conner St, Noblesville
Hours: 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Tastings every Saturday and sometimes Friday from 4-6 p.m. Open Thanksgiving Day 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Info: 317.773.3471, www.mrgsliquors.com
What’s hot
Craft beer -- Particularly IPA’s, Stouts, Belgian style ales
Wines -- From Chile, Argentina, South Africa and Spain
Spirits –Vodka’s flexibility for mixing makes it a versatile choice. Irish whiskeys, Kentucky bourbons and Canadian blended whiskey are also popular.
Ready-to-Drink Cocktails—Skinny Girl Margarita made with Agave Nectar. Low in calories.
Locally produced brands at Mr. G’s
Distillers: Heartland Distillers, makers of Indiana Vodka and Prohibition Gin (Indianapolis)
Wineries: New Day Meadery (Elwood), Oliver (Bloominton) and Easley (Indianapolis)
Breweries: Barley Island (Noblesville), Sun King (Indianapolis), Brugge (Terre Haute), Upland (Bloomington), Three Floyds (Munster)
Mr. G’s favorites
Red Wines
Kaiken Ultra Malbec - $19.99
R. Gassier Les Piliers Syrah - $14.49
Santa Ema Reserve Merlot - $11.99
Routestock Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon - $19.99
White Wines
Snoqualmie Naked Gewurztraminer - $12.49
Loosen Bros “Dr. L” Riesling - $11.49
King Estate Pinot Gris - $16.99
Toho Chardonnay - $15.99
Beers
Ommegang Abbey Style Ale - $7.99/bottle
J.K. Scrumpy Organic Cider - $6.49/bottle
Sun King Osiris Pale Ale - $10.99/4 pack
Three Floyds Gumball Head - $9.99/6 pack
Thanksgiving dinner picks
Mr. G’s tried and true options for the dilemma of what to drinks to serve with Thanksgiving dinner:
White wines – Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Riesling and Gewurztraminer
Red wines – Pinot Noir, Zinfandel or Syrah
Sparkling wine – Sparkling Vourvray or California Extra Dry
Beers – Amber ale, brown ales or Tripel ales for traditional turkey.
Scotch ale or Porter for smoked turkey.
Weizen, dubbel ale or dark lager for ham.
Pumpkin-Tini
1 part vanilla or plain vodka
1 part Pumpkin Spice liqueur
Coat rim of glass with cinnamon-sugar. Combine ingredients in shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into martini glass and serve.
No comments:
Post a Comment