Dave's Package Store was freshened with new paint and siding, the addition of craft beers and wines, and a popular drive-up window.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Dave Atwell is celebrating a successful year in his new business venture.
The longtime owner of Desperados decided he wanted to get out of the restaurant business and after selling his business over a year ago came upon another opportunity.
"Nineteen years of being in the restaurant business and I was looking for something different," Atwell said. "I’ve always liked this location. It has always been a liquor store and I thought I could clean it up and make it successful."
Atwell spruced up the package store that had been located on the corner of River and Eagle street since 1959. It was for decades known as Lopardo's but also had a short life as River Street Package Store before Atwell purchased it and opened in late February 2018.
"New everything," he said. "New roof, I painted the outside, new carpeting, and new coolers."
Atwell said he made it a point to carry more craft beers and unique products.
"We carry a much bigger selection of craft beers and wines than the last owner," he said. "Craft beer is really growing … people ask about specific beers so I actually brought on a third vendor to get some stuff I couldn’t get before."
Dave's Package Store also has a drive-through window that he said has been a huge hit.
"It is super popular and a lot of people just get a kick out of just the novelty of using it," he said. "People pull up and can get scratch tickets, a quick six-pack, or a pack of cigarettes without having to get out of their car."
Dave’s Package store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m .to 11 p.m. and Sundays 10 to 9.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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