NEW CONCORD – The relaxed, ambient atmosphere of a darkened wine bar coupled with the escapist possibilities of a new book. New Concord’s Cork & Quill finds itself at the intersection of words and wine after opening on May 8.
“I want it to be comfortable, inviting, warm, a little moody,” said owner Stephanie Swingle. “I want (customers) to destress. I want it to feel like they can let go of their day… I want them to relax and enjoy the atmosphere and have a good glass of red.”
The wine bar has a planned drink menu to include vintage wines, craft beer, bourbon, wine slushies, and, eventually, signature cocktails. There’s a wide variety of wines, Swingle noted, ranging from dry to sweet and white to red.
The food menu will feature elevated selections, such as duck prosciutto, pork cheek, cranberry wensleydale, pork golfetta, and edible orchids. The menu will be posted online in the future.
“We are focused on fancy charcuterie, elevated small plates, wine,” Stephanie shared. “I think it’s all an indulgence, and I think we’re all allowed an indulgence.”
Cork & Quill is also a bookstore and will feature numerous and popular romance novelists like Kristin Hannah, Penelope Douglas, Mia Sheridan and Jennifer Hartmann.
“I think we’re going to reach definitely, the readers, the overthinkers, the introverts, the romantics, the first-daters, the anniversary, the solo wine drinkers,” Stephanie said of her clientele.
“Over the years, I have seen other similar places, and that’s what got the idea in my head,” Stephanie said, citing Dayton as one example.
The journey has been a tiring one, though, she admits, one that started in February, took 12-hour-plus days, the help of her mother Ella, and a due diligence that she’s never done before.
“I had to learn how to obtain food distributors. I had to research wines and the distributors for that. I’ve done research (on) permits and (the) liquor license. I’ve talked to some college kids about what craft beer they would like me to carry,” explained the Zanesville resident and Philo native.
Many of those behind-the-scenes trials and tribulations will eventually be posted on Cork & Quill’s new TikTok. It can also be followed on Facebook for future updates.
In the future, Stephanie hopes to add an outdoor seating area and use the bookstore for events or pop-ups. Some have already been scheduled.
Cork & Quill, at 23 E. Main St. in New Concord, is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. It’s cashless, dog friendly, and only for those age 16 and older. For more information, call 740-261-5034.
Shawn Digity is a reporter for the Zanesville Times Recorder. He can be emailed at sdigity@gannett.com or found on X at @ShawnDigityZTR.
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Moody, warm and a little indulgent: Cork & Quill finds its niche
Reporting by Shawn Digity, Zanesville Times Recorder / Zanesville Times Recorder
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