Woodstock Beer Market Grows to Meet Community Needs
Since opening in the summer of 2021, Woodstock beer market, with its 50 taps of craft beer and wine, quickly became known for its grocery section, where household essentials are available, along with prepackaged meals for a quick dinner.
What many people may not realize is the length to which Daniel Bustamante and the staff will go to help a customer.
“One night during closing time, a couple came into the store looking for caramel for a birthday dessert for the husband. After looking around for caramel, and not finding any, they asked if we had any caramel in the back. As the culinary director/house chef, I told them that we did not, but that I could make some for them really quick. In less than 30 minutes, I had a small batch of freshly made caramel for them to continue their birthday celebration. To this day, when the couple comes in, they tell new guests about the famous caramel that saved the night.”
Another way Daniel and his team focus on excellent customer service is by adding events to the schedule that keep the market hopping, including DJ trivia and music nights, as well as monthly wine tastings and food pop-up Saturdays.
“We have a pretty diverse store, with all kinds of opportunities,” he said. “In the morning, our store is the perfect location for people to get their work done, while enjoying tasty beverages and our pre-made sandwiches. At night, we become a friendly family bar.”
How It Started
The Woodstock Beer Market is the latest in the lineup of Stout Brothers locations, including Roswell and Smyrna.
Owner Brandon King has a bachelor’s in economics from Oglethorpe University and an education in graphic design. He said that decades of experience in every level of the hospitality industry is what qualifies him most for this business.
“Taking what I’ve learned from working in everything from dive bars to five stars has kept the company grounded and family-friendly, while still striving to provide the absolute best products and service,” he said.
The Smyrna location opened nine years ago, when beer growlers were legalized. As the business grew organically, it always was rooted in the notion that King wanted to create a community gathering place that would offer rare and fun items not normally found in most stores.
The liveliness of the community and the unique spirit of the city drew King to Woodstock.
“This space is big enough to accommodate the larger vision of what Smyrna started out to be, which was a full market, a true community corner store and a bar all in one,” he said. “Moving forward, we want to offer pre-ordered picnic baskets and cheese/charcuterie plates for Woodstock’s concerts and other events, as we continue to grow into more of what the community needs.”
Aside from the goal of becoming a regional or national chain based on the Woodstock Beer Market model, King plans to establish deeper roots in this community.
“The next 10 years will hopefully see this store grow into a staple of the Woodstock community, one that will give back to the community as much or more than it receives.”
What You Should Know
Drink options.
The market has 50 taps that include five wines, two nitros (one Alma coffee, one rotating beer), and 43 regular beer taps that constantly rotate. The package beer and wine selection also rotates, to provide the freshest and rarest options.
More than beer.
The market’s wine selection includes unique and rare wines. With a growing wine program, Daniel constantly is searching for fun products to bring into the store.
Bodega.
There’s an area in the back of the market that’s stocked with everyday household items that include toilet paper, trash bags, dish soap, chicken stock, frozen pizzas, pastas, onions, garlic, lemons and limes. A grab-and-go section offers quick bites, or all the ingredients needed to make dinner for the family.
Free play.
One wall is lined with four arcade games that are free to play. The market’s five TVs are always tuned to sports, fun movies, cooking channels or “The Joy of Painting With Bob Ross.”
Telecommute-friendly. The market’s relaxing and comfortable atmosphere is a perfect environment for people who telecommute.
Special events.
There’s something for everyone each day of the week at Woodstock Beer Market.
- DJ Bingo on Mondays, 7-9 p.m.
- DJ Trivia on Wednesdays, starting at 6 p.m.
- Monthly wine tastings on the last Tuesday of every month, featuring six to seven wines with a personalized charcuterie board and/or hors d’oeuvres.
- Food pop-ups on Saturdays, from noon until the invited chef runs out of food. Dates available on Facebook and Instagram.
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