ARCOLA - Last year the Arcola Co-operative purchased the Arcola Building Supplies Store on the north side Highway 13. It was at this time that all the hardware that was at the gas station was moved to the other side of the highway.
This left a huge empty part in the gas bar store that needed filling. In October, they purchased the liquor store permit from the Arcola Pharmacy.
Over the winter, extensive renovations took place at the back of the store, but with a large black curtain, nobody could see inside. Renovations were completed by Evergreen Construction from Redvers, electrical was handled by T.D. Electric from Arcola and Pioneer Plumbing from Arcola took care of the water works.
General manager Matthew Almey wanted to use as many local contractors as possible to complete the work.
The space is 1,500 square feet with a 450 square foot walk-in beer and wine cooler. Almey thinks this beer cooler is the largest on Highway 13.
“This was a great opportunity,” said Almey. “It gives visitors and campers a place to stop, get gas, buy some chicken, get a few snacks, load up their coolers and be off to the campground.”
Laurie Nelson, an 18-year employee of the co-op, is the liquor store manager.
Nelson was the Stoughton Co-op grocery store manager, but when she had the opportunity to take on this position, she went for it as it was closer to home for her.
“It has been a lot of work,” said Nelson. “It has been an exciting time to get things together.”
When the renovations were completed, they started filling shelves, which took 60 hours by several employees.
On March 28 the new liquor store was officially open for business.
All the staff over the age of 19 must have the Serve it Right certification in order to sell liquor, and at all times at least one of them must be present or the store must close.
Presently they have 10 employees that have taken the program.
Almey has sourced as much Canadian liquor and beers as possible, with many wines coming from Ontario, B.C. and overseas.
There are many products in Saskatchewan as well. They have products from the south and it will be seen in the future whether or not they are able to purchase more.
A grand opening is slated for the summer, and there also may be more new features in the future at the Arcola Co-operative Gas Bar.
