By Stew and Rogene Gillmor
(Nov. 16, 2016) — It was a busy Saturday afternoon when Rogene and I stopped in to Tony’s Package Store. A wine tasting was in progress and the place was full of customers. Tony’s owners are partners Kirk Fontaine and Ken Diehl. Kirk, originally from Franklin, Connecticut and Ken, originally from Bozrah, purchased Tony’s seven years ago.
They have ten years of experience in the beverage business, having owned previously a liquor store across the river. They have three full-time employees and about 10 part-time employees. Tony’s Package Store is a big facility, and they are noted for their large selection of beers. Ken told me that they have about 1,000 types. Beer sales account for about 35% of their trade, equal to the 35% in wine trade.
Liquor sales (25%) and miscellaneous items (5%) complete their sales. Ken said that more than fifteen different distributors supply their wares. Tony’s is open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 10 to 6 on Sundays. Their peak trade hours are usually from lunchtime until about 6 p.m.
Business comes to them from Haddam, of course, but also from East Haddam, Moodus, Chester, Colchester and beyond. Their celebrated, large “Beer Cave” selections bring trade even from Hartford. Rogene and I purchased a bottle of dry German Riesling wine to compare with our own homegrown Riesling. Michelle helped us in the selection.
We have known Michelle since the days when she was in Higganum Elementary School with our daughter. Upon leaving, we were pleased to see a small “HaddamNow.com” sign in the grassy area in front of the store. Tony’s is located at 95 Bridge Road in Haddam.
Their phone number is 860-345-4307. They are located right next door to the Country Market (“River Valley Provisions”).
