What makes Locals Beer & Wine a truly local business? First, the business on Route 50 East at Jerry Mack Road is competitively priced. “I frequently shop around and compare prices to ensure our products are the lowest price possible, year ‘round,” says manager, Greg Fields. Local visitors and residents can enjoy a 30-pack of Natural Light for only $14.59.
Second, the owners of Locals Beer & Wine are 100 percent committed to supporting local charities and fundraising events. Ocean City is undoubtedly a community that pulls together when times are tough. Locals Beer & Wine, which opened its doors on June 15, 2012, is always happy to help with participation, gift cards, and contributions.
Last, but certainly not least, the beer and wine store supports other local businesses, including Maryland-based breweries and vineyards. As fall approaches, Locals Beer and Wine is receiving inventory from local breweries, such as Evolution Craft Brewing Company in Salisbury, Heavy Seas Brewery in Halethorpe, Flying Dog in Frederick, Fin City Brewing Company in Ocean City, Tall Tales Brewing Company in Parsonsburg, and DuClaw Brewing Company in Hanover and Bel Air. From nearby Delaware, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton, and 16 Mile Brewery in Georgetown, are also supplying fall craft beer recipes to Locals Beer and Wine.
Evolution’s Jacques Au Lantern, Shock Top’s Pumpkin Wheat, DuClaw’s Pumpkin Retribution, Samuel Adams’ Harvest Collection, Flying Dog Brewery’s Dogtoberfest, New Belgium’s Tour De Fall, and Pete’s Wicked Ale are just a few of many autumn brews you can pick up at Locals Beer and Wine to sample the spices, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and ripe pumpkin flavors that capture the fall season. “My favorite is Leinenkugel Harvest Patch Shandy,” says Greg. “It’s unexpected, and boasts fruit and vegetable flavors.”
Staying true to its name, Locals Beer and Wine represents vineyards like Linganore Wine Cellars in Mt. Airy, Solomons Island Winery in Lusby, Bordeleau Winery in Eden, Layton’s Chance Vineyards in Vienna, and Knob Hall Winery in Clear Spring, Maryland.
“We have 16 distinct wine sections in our store, displaying inventory from all over the world, including California, Oregon, Germany, Australia, Argentina, Italy, Chile, and more,” says Greg. “From local sources, we stock up on a variety of flavors in batches, so every customer—and every palate—is guaranteed satisfaction.”
When asked what is the best selling product that the clean, sophisticated, swanky beer and wine store carries, Greg answers, “Natural Light.” Indeed, Ocean City residents are arguably the largest consumers of Natural Light in the U.S. “That’s one reason we’re committed to competitive prices that are cheaper than anywhere else.”
Greg’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident. He takes pride in his brand, and what could potentially be the first of many Locals Beer & Wine stores on the East Coast. “If you ever see another Locals Beer & Wine store open in the region, you’ll know it carries locally-sourced products at very competitive prices,” he says.
In addition to 30-packs of Natural Light for less than $15, Locals Beer and Wine also sells Natty Boh, which is on the verge of releasing its NFL packaging. And, the store is one of the few in the area that carries kegs. But, Locals Beer and Wine is leagues above typical convenient stores and gas station shops. The interior is clean and organized, and the staff is helpful and customer oriented. Special orders can be arranged by request.
Conveniently located in West Ocean City, Locals Beer and Wine maintains an entertaining Facebook page, www.facebook.com/LocalsBeerAndWine, and an informative website,
www.localsoc.com, which currently features a printable 10% discount coupon.
Locals Beer and Wine is open Friday & Saturday from 10 AM until 11 PM, and Sunday through Thursday from 10 AM until 9 PM. Its exact location is 9939 Jerry Mack Road. You can see the storefront from Route 50 East. Call 443-664-6788, or check the store’s advertisement in Coconut Times for more information.
