BevMo has landed in Riverbank at the Crossroads Shopping Center and opened the doors to the new business with a Grand Opening celebration on Friday, Aug. 30.
The parking lot was packed and the line to enter the store wrapped around the building. Riverbank Mayor Richard O’Brien had the honor of cutting the ribbon to start the opening festivities.
There are over 100 BevMo stores in California and the specialty beverage retailer picked Riverbank due to several residents requesting their presence on social media sites, according to store manager, Renee Racacho.
“Our customers speak and we answered,” said Racacho. “I am really excited to be here in this community.”
Racacho was working as the assistant manager for the store in Lodi and since she is from Modesto she expressed that this new store is a great fit for her.
They interviewed over 100 people to fill positions at the new store. They have hired 20 people from Escalon, Riverbank and Modesto to staff the new location.
At the grand opening the first 500 customers in line before the store opened at 9 a.m. received a free goody bag filled with snacks, glasses, and other items valued at over $50.
The parking lot was abuzz with people mingling, a DJ playing music, and a coffee stand.
As the first hundred guests entered the store the BevMo team cheered and applauded. Shoppers steered their carts through the aisles and an associate was walking around offering samples of their gourmet cheese, prosciutto and salami.
The grand opening also featured some beverage tastings, with five different varieties offered from Alaskan Brewing Co., Moet and Chandon Champagnes. The line for the tasting started at the back of the store and almost reached the front door.
Several customers that were shopping stated that they were really excited BevMo is now in Riverbank and they don’t have to travel all the way to Modesto.
The celebration was slated to continue through the weekend with tastings, demonstrations, and grand opening specials. There were beverage experts on hand to answer questions and assist with pairings.
The wine tastings will continue at the local BevMo every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and the ‘five-cent wine sale’ is going on as well.
With a gourmet cheese section, barware, mixers, and various spirits, Racacho calls BevMo a “one stop shop.”