for the Wilmington Business Journal
How many wine destinations can downtown Wilmington accommodate? One developer thinks he has a niche that will distinguish his soon-to-open spot from the competition.
Fuquay-Varina-based podiatrist John P. Miketa is replacing his former Bella’s Coffee Shop, 19 Market St., with Bella’s Bar-Local, which will feature a small selection of wines, many craft beers and a yet-to-be-determined food menu, Miketa said.
The location, which Miketa said he hopes to open by Oct. 31, is just a block away from budding wine bistro Perkeo, which co-owner Malissa Mashburn said is scheduled to debut before October’s end. The bistro filling former Deluxe restaurant, 114 Market St., will serve tapas and full-size entrees.
Another block away is 3-year-old The Fortunate Glass wine bar, 29 S. Front St., which boasts 400-plus labels, about 30 craft beers and a small-plates menu. Nearby Cape Fear Wine and Beer, 139 N. Front St., also has a large selection of wine and beer.
More casual than Perkeo or The Fortunate Glass, the approximately 800-square-foot Bella’s Bar-Local will feature only four wines – two whites and two reds – available on-tap. Twelve beers on-tap and 20-30 bottled beers also are part of the lineup, Miketa said.
“We want to keep it select and unique, not like a full-blown wine bar,” Miketa said.
Outdoor seating for “potentially” 20-25 guests will provide a river view not available at competing wine bars, Miketa noted. That plus Bella’s central downtown location across from popular Kilwins sweets shop and the horse-drawn carriage tour starting point will attract tourists, Miketa said.
Inside, a small bar, bar tables and a bar-height banquette will furnish another 30 seats in a candlelight/low-light setting, he said. Miketa said he expects to attract couples, downtown workers, groups of friends and anyone looking for a laid-back atmosphere.
“I want to get away from the crazy Jager Bomb lounge,” Miketa said. “No dollar Bud specials, no TVs, no DJs doing hip hop or reggae nights.”
A small food menu will be served, but Miketa said he has not decided what the list will include.
Miketa said he purchased the more than 100-year-old building where Bella’s is located in 1999 as an investment property. The location was too intimate for a coffee shop, Miketa said. Patrons were not comfortable sitting close to other customers. Miketa said he thinks wine and beer will make for a social setting more suited to the small space.
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