Giant in Thorndale now selling beer, wine
CALN » The Thorndale Giant supermarket on Thursday became the chain’s 55th in Pennsylvania to sell beer and wine.
The store at 3477 Lincoln Highway is celebrating the opening with beer and wine tastings on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.
The store has undergone alterations over two months to open the Beer & Wine Eatery. Stores in Pennsylvania must have restauranttype seating to sell takeout beer and wine.
“We’re excited to help our customers find the perfect wine or beer for their party or family gathering,” store manager Mike Smith said in a statement. “We also want to thank our Thorndale customers for their patience as the Beer & Wine Eatery was prepared for this opening.”
The store will have a large selection of domestic, imported and craft beers coupled with varieties of wine. Customers currently have a “mix-a-six” option where they can create their own six-packs from a variety of craft beers. Customers can also choose from eat-in and takeout selections offered, including sandwiches, wraps, subs and salads, and other beverages, Carlisle-based Giant said.
The new eatery seats 30 and is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Giant said it enforces a 100 percent proof-of-age policy for both beer and wine sales.
Harrisburg made changes to the liquor code in the summer of 2016 to reflect changes in the marketplace. Those changes were intended to make shopping for alcohol more convenient for customers and increase competition. Over 300 grocery stores in Pennsylvania now have a liquor license.
Giant has been aggressive in adding the beer and wine sales to their stores. In an article last April, the supermarket chain reported having 32 stores selling beer and wine, meaning it has added 23 in eight months. Locations in the region already selling beer and wine include Exeter, Exton, Havertown, Royersford, Springfield and St. Davids.
Chris Brand, director of external communications and community relations, said Giant now sells beer and wine in 55 of its 151 Pennsylvania stores, or in about a third of them. The availability of liquor licences in some areas and stores that are in dry municipalities are roadblocks for offering the sales in some locations.
“We’re very pleased with the response from our customers,” Brand said. “We often see business increase because of the new service that our customers have
been asking for.”
Customers can purchase 192 ounces of beer, or two six packs, and up to four bottles of wine to go and can have up to two drinks while eating in the restaurant. The store does not sell distilled spirits.
Founded in 1923 in Carlisle, Giant Food Stores LLC operates more than 170 grocery stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, under the names of Giant Food Stores and Martin’s Food Markets.