As a business owner in Grand Haven, I’ve got the best of both worlds in terms of customers. We’re busy year-round. In the winter, I’ve got a huge local following. In the summer, the tourists are here to fill their shoes. It’s a win-win.
— Chris Weavers, J-Dub’s Market & Wine Shop
“J-Dub’s Market & Wine Shop offers specially curated wines and wine knowledge. We carry wines from all over—from Michigan to New Zealand. We also have a great cheese selection from around the world, including small sampler sizes in the cooler. I hate buying a big chunk and not liking it, so this lets people test drive. If people want help, we ask a few questions to narrow down a customer’s palate and get them the right fit.
We offer custom charcuterie boards—just call a day or two ahead. They include meats, cheeses, crackers, fruits—perfect for parties. We also sell craft beers, everything from classic styles to quirky. We sell several J.W.’s products—our white chicken chili is super popular, same with the chicken salad, salsa, and ranch dressing. We also carry chilled wines and non-alcoholic options. And gift baskets are a big deal—we do lots of custom ones.
On weekends, we serve white chili and sweet pepper crab soup hot to go—handy when the restaurant’s busy. Every Wednesday from 4–6 p.m., we host free wine tastings with different reps and three or four wines. We set up bistro tables and people can taste and explore. It’s a great way to find what you like without wasting money on a bottle you won’t enjoy.
The building itself is over 100 years old. That shiplap was hidden under particle board—just needed paint. It used to be Dewey Electronics, a TV repair shop. When the owner retired, he offered it to me—thankfully. The building is right behind our restaurant kitchen door.
I didn’t know what I’d do with it at first but figured it was a good investment.
Eventually I thought, “I love wine…why not open a wine shop?”
