The future of an East Meadow institution is currently unknown by workers and residents alike.
, which has been located in East Meadow since 1952, may face the possibility of closure or sale. Originally situated on the property where now stands, the wine and liquor store moved across the street to its current location at 385 Merrick Avenue years ago.
The store sells wine and liquor by the bottle, as well as in bulk. Additionally, they host wine tastings on site, have gift baskets and an online ordering system. MABwine.com is “currently unavailable,” according to the site’s main page.
“We don’t know exactly when we are closing. It sure looks like we are closing if you come in here,” said Steve Dentura, Manager of MAB, referring to the empty shelves inside the store.
He said that instead of closing, the current owners might take on a partner or sell the business to someone else. It is the owners’ ultimate decision, Dentura continued, since they are the ones that deal with all of the money.
“I don’t know if they will close officially,” Dentura added.
He said that customers are confused as to what is going on with the business and others are saddened by the news of a possible closure for a local staple.
“A lot of these people are upset because they feel like this is a landmark in this neighborhood and it has been around for 59 years,” he continued. “They have been shopping here for years.”
East Meadow Chamber of Commerce President Walter Skinner said that MAB has been in East Meadow as long as he can remember, so it would be surprising to see the business close its doors.
“I remember working in the old location as a stock boy when I was a kid,” he said. “The people who owned it originally knew everything there was to know about wine and liquor.”
He said that MAB has acquired new owners recently, and the business has moved and downsized over the years. If the store does actually end up closing, Skinner added that he doesn’t think people will miss it.
“Liquor stores have become like pizzerias - there is one on every corner,” he said. “It wouldn’t really matter. It is a shame since that particular one has been around so long, but, as I said, there is one on every corner.”
Dentura said that they “can’t put their finger” on the ultimate need to close .
“It is hard to believe that we can’t make enough business,” he added.
