Photo courtesy of the Prattsville Great American. Used with permission.
Cheers to Prattsville's newest business, which opened its doors to the public today. Catskill Mountain Wine and Liquor celebrated its grand opening in low-key local style: No flashy advertising campaign, no big fuss, just the quiet launch of one more reason to shop Prattsville's Main Street.
We spoke to owner Jason Eisel, whose brother Jim runs the Prattsville Great American grocery store next door, about the pair's vision for a revitalized Main Street in a town that's spent long enough underwater.
Watershed Post: So, how did the grand opening go today?
Jason Eisel: It was spectacular. I can't believe how well it went. I'm impressed by how many people I saw walk through the door. I don't think I had ten minutes when somebody wasn't walking around. I didn't go out of my way with advertising -- I thought I'd just get the door open and see what kind of response I had.
WP: What are you hearing from customers?
JE: I can't believe the response that I'm getting. People are just thrilled that they can go to the grocery store and get some liquor at the same time, which was my brother's and my whole purpose with this, to create a convienence factor for shoppers.
WP: There's more in the works for the Prattsville Plaza, right?
JE: Yes, there will be. Lutz Insurance will be moving over here next, and there will be a laundromat and a clothing store. The clothing store is run by a guy whose name is Harvey Goldman, he's from downstate, he has a few discount clothing stores in and around Manhattan. He has a second home up here, which is going to become his main residence.
Lutz should be in by the first of the year. I am shooting for the laundromat, which I'm going to run as well, to be open the same time. That might be a miracle.
WP: As a purveyor of fine spirits, what would you recommend to toast the revival of Prattsville?
JE (laughing): Well. I'm a bourbon drinker, so I wouldn't go too much further than bourbon. But I can't say that I would be the selfish one to choose my liquor of choice for a toast.
Catskill Mountain Wine and Liquor, 14520 Main Street, Prattsville. 518-299-3300. Or find them online, at their brand-spanking-new Facebook page.
