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BRONXVILLE N.Y. A new wine and liquor shop just opened in Bronxville in the same place where the one stood for the past 28 years.
Heath Lachman is the owner of the newly opened store, Topps Wine and Liquor, which replaced Wine and Spirits Emporium, at 98 Pondfield Road. His recent business venture now makes him the owner of two small businesses in Bronxville. His other business is Topps Bakery, which opened in 2006.
Lachman said he was inspired to turn the wine and liquor store around because he couldn't stand to see the Bronxville landmark go out of business.
The store was a staple of the community and I didn't want to see it close, said Lachman. People had seen how I turned the bakery around, so they came to me and wanted to see if I could do the same thing here so I decided to give it a shot.
Opening not one, but two small businesses in Bronxville was an easy decision to make because it's where he lives, said Lachman. Because of Lachmans business experience and familiarity with wine, the decision to serve the community was clear to him.
"I think I can really be an asset to the community because I'm a part of it," said Lachman. "The store is going to cater to the community and offer the kinds of products they want at an affordable price. For example, if I get a great deal on a case of wine I'm going to pass that on to the residents.
The process of opening the store from Lachman initially being approached about it, to the grand opening took him less than 10 weeks. With its big storefront glass windows, homemade wine tables, tasting bar and a big piano in the front of the store, Lachman believes he did just that. The store will also have weekly wine tastings on Friday afternoons.
"I wanted to create a place where people will want to go to," said Lachman. "I think the piano will mean there will always be live music for the store. My initial thought process was for anybody to stop in and be able play the piano. I want it to be Bronxville's piano, just as I want this to be Bronxville's store."
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