South Hill Fine Foods opened their liquor section on Dec. 24, and are happy to report that business is going well. They eventually plan on a grand opening to showcase their renovations.
“The previous owners had planned to do something like this, with this section of the building,” said Abhi Bhatla, one of the partners in the venture. “We thought, you know, what a great idea, you have your grocery store and your liquor store. That’s convenient.”
The new owners of South Hill Fine Foods took possession of the entire plaza in October. The wing of the building now housing the liquor store used to be set up as medical offices. The renovations have opened the space up and given it a fresh new look.
Bhatla is hoping that the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority’s final inspection takes place soon. Once that’s complete, they’ll be able to open the interior doors connecting the grocery side with the alcohol side.
“Lillooet is the main street of South Hill,” Bhatla said seriously. “You’ve got Shoppers, 2 for 1 Family Pizza, our grocery store, obviously, Tim Hortons, the pork plant. This is the main street, and now it has a liquor store.”
Bhatla added that because of their location, they haven’t had to advertise – the business is already a success. Nevertheless, they do plan on hosting a grand opening at some point to invite customers in to see the store and to raise awareness of the new section.
The grand opening will probably come as the dead of winter recedes and people start to become more active again. Once the doors to the grocery are open, Bhatla said, “It’ll just be a one-stop shop for our grocery store patrons and people who are wanting to buy their beverages.”
South Hill Fine Foods offers online ordering and curbside pick-up. The liquor store location may also be able to offer those services soon.
“We’re open seven days a week, 8 to 11,” Bhatla said. “Eventually, we’re going to do some cross-promoing with the grocery, you know, have some fun ‘wine-and-cheese’ platters. We price match with everyone, very competitive. Yeah, come on down!”
