Denton’s first liquor store prospers
Adalberto Toledo / Staff Writer
They say the early bird gets the worm. In the case of liquor in Denton, the early bird gets the sales.
The Liquor Outpost is the first liquor store in Denton to open since the vote to allow the sale of liquor in the county in November.
The change went into effect Jan.1. Owner Ken Carmody applied to open the liquor store on Dec. 31 of 2014, and said it was “a fairly painless process.”
“Business has been good since we opened,” said Carmody. “I’m happy that Denton has finally come to the 21st century.”
The store, located at 1010 W. University Drive, offers a large selection of beer, wine and spirits. With a constant stream of customers since opening day on March 18, cashier Jasmine Santa Maria said they already have regulars.
“We kind of already know what they drink,” Santa Maria said. “‘You got me surprised’ is the sort of reaction we get when people come in for the first time.”
For Carmody, this experience is nothing new. He has been in the liquor business for 20 years, opening his first store in 2000. He now owns several properties in the DFW area.
He said that he has high hopes for the store, saying it has already exceeded his expectations.
Photography junior Eric Sonson went there for his first time, perusing the beer and wine isles.
“There’s liquor in it, what else do you need?” Sonson said. “I can definitely see why it would be the most popular spot.”
Before, thirsty residents of Denton had to travel outside the borders of Denton. Now in a wet city, business owners can legally sell spirits here.
Two businesses applied for store permits in January. Shax’s Liquor and Imperial Ale and Spirit are expected to open soon at 1776 Teasley Lane and 717 S. Interstate 35E, respectively.
“I just hope I’m here in 20 years,” said Carmody. “I’m happy that people are so welcoming in the community.”
The Liquor Outpost in open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Featured Image: A row of Three Olives flavored vodka bottles fill the shelf inside The Liquor Outpost. The store was the first in Denton to sell liquor. Photo by Ryan Vance – Senior Staff Photographer
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