The State of Real Estate 2024 Page 18
Edison Marketplace Offers Local Hangout in SoMo E
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
dison Marketplace offers a comfortable and welcoming coffee and wine bar in a mid-century modern eclectic setting. Its unique convenience-store look comes from the fact that the building previously housed a Prescott Quick Stop in SoMo (South Montezuma St.).
Owner Nick Medina also owns the historic Motor Lodge next door and Edison Marketplace matches the upscale design of the Motor Lodge. “The word is slowly getting out that we’re here. It’s a great place for people to relax or work on their computer,” he said. “The community is grateful that they have a local hangout in this area of town.” Medina said their core mission is
to create a unique and memorable experience for their customers. Aside from a wide selection of chilled wines and coffee, Edison Marketplace offers snacks, chips, cereal, cheese and other quick bites. But Medina has much grander plans, including grab-and-go sandwiches and featured performers, such as poets and musicians. There is enough room inside for small performances and a small patio out front. A
larger patio is planned for the back, as Medina envisions it as a place where people can bring their dogs or bikes. The grab-and-go sandwiches will include vegan and gluten-free choices. Medina is also proud that all of the baked goods are made locally. Edison Marketplace is part of Medina Hospitality, which owns several businesses and is a member of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce. Continued on page 43
Winey Cats Opens for Summer Season Serving up wine, beer, live music, events, starry skies
T Winey Cats at Granite Creek Vineyard Manager Heather Buck and owner Ali Amato share a toast to their three-year operation. Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography
June 2024 | Issue 6 Volume 12
By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
wo friends, cats and a vineyard may sound a little out of the ordinary for a business, but for two women with backgrounds in wildlife and animal rescue, it all makes sense. About three years ago, Winey Cats Wine & Beer Garden owner Ali Amato switched occupations, from running the Bradshaw Mountain Wildlife Association to managing a vineyard. Her intention was to relocate a cat rescue operation. However, according to her website, “when the community heard that there was a possibility that Granite Creek Vineyards was going to close down, they begged me to keep it open. So, I agreed to give it a shot. Winey Cats at Granite Creek Vineyards was formed to combine the winery and the cat rescue.” In search of a business partner for her new endeavor, she turned to her good friend, Heather Buck, a former wildlife manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department in Phoenix.
“I fell in love with the Granite Creek Vineyard!” said Buck. “At first, we were joking about me coming to help run it, but after giving it some serious thought, I quit my job, sold my house and came up to work,” said Buck, who serves as manager. Both Amato and Buck were involved in animal rescue for 20 years and became close friends. The six-acre parcel has become a local favorite for concerts, corporate events, fundraisers and baby and bridal showers. “We’ve even done quinceañeras,” said Amato, noting that the venue has seen upwards of 300 people in attendance at single events. “When the weather is right, it’s the place to be,” said Gurley Girls band member Jen Harvey. “Winey Cats Wine & Beer Garden is home to swaying trees, talkative peacocks, vintage buildings, fine wines and some of the best live music in the Quad Cities area. It’s a bit like entering another world. The Gurley Girls have played here for years and we always look forward to coming back to this beloved venue.” Continued on page 42