We Remodel Every Century Whether It Needs It Or Not.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT: Doug Alberhasky;319.331.8764;doug @johnsgrocery.com

Iowa City, IA - October 10th, 2005 John's Grocery, an icon on the North Side of Iowa City, has just completed the largest and most complex addition to their budding, 58-year-old business. The construction of a 40' long walk-in beer cooler and the relocation of the entire beer and wine rooms caps two and a half month's work on the second oldest continually operated business in town. Starting as a grocery store in 1848 on the edge of Goosetown (the largely Czech immigrant northside of I.C.) the store has gone through many changes, but according to Doug Alberhasky, Bier Guy and John's grandson, "this is far and away the biggest single change that our business has ever undertaken."

By adding the cavernous walk-in beer cooler and tripling the warm space for imported beer, customers can easily choose from the more than 2000 different beers. Another big change is having the right beer glass next to the beer, according to Alberhasky, "Just like wine, having the proper drinking vessel really improves the entire experience. You would never think of drinking Champagne out of a Burgundy glass, so why should you drink a Belgian Triple out of a pint glass? For centuries the brewers have been custom tailoring their glasses to get the very most out of their beer, and we do a very good job of educating our customers so they can maximize their enjoyment!

John's was recently named one of "Top Retail Beer Stores in the World" by "All About Beer" magazine. They were also the only retailer invited to participate in a very successful beer show in Chicago put on by the Belgian Trade Commission. This exposure led to the addition of over 60 new beers to the existing selection. This influx stretched the tiny store's walls to the breaking point. "We've always said that if we buy it, it will fit, but we were wrong," Alberhasky said.

Customer reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, and now the wine room, long regarded as the best in Iowa, has a new home as well. With phase 1 now complete, Wally "The Wine Guy" has a new, much larger home with wood floors, a real tin ceiling, and a gourmet section featuring imported cheese and crackers. Phase 2 will happen after the busy holiday season, and will feature new shelving and a center island where customers can congregate at regular tasting events.

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