Menu
Renovations bring new look and cafe to The Bottle Shop
SIKESTON - When Cory and Teresa Dean purchased The Bottle Shop in August 2005, they wanted to uncork some new experiences for their customers.
Today, the renovations are complete and, according to the owners, Sikeston residents can find the unique, the unusual and yet, still a lot of the familiar at The Bottle Shop, located at 343 N. Main St., and its newest addition, the Madcoco Cafe.
As the Deans remodeled the store to increase their selections of wines, they gave it a new look with new paint and tile. Also they reorganized and expanded the stock of wines, liquors and beers.
"We are trying to cater people who are interested in a wider selection of spirits," said Dean, acknowledging that some customers previously had to go out of town to find just what they wanted. He takes pride that it more than likely is available in the store and, if not, he will search out that speciality item and order it.
One of the biggest changes in the store is the expansion opening up to Madcoco Cafe.
Mrs. Dean said the restaurant emphasizes quality - in ingredients, in service and in selection.
"We wanted people to come and enjoy a healthier, upscale meal without the upscale price," she said about the restaurant, which opened in mid-August. "We wanted to offer a new taste for Sikeston. We wanted something that would stand out."
Everything is handmade and fresh. Mrs. Dean pointed out even the meats and cheese are sliced fresh daily.
The selections range from gourmet pizza to cheese trays and from pastas to panini (an Italian grilled sandwich) and wraps. For the salads, she has created homemade dressings and also has some 12 to 15 made-from scratch sauces to complement the variety of dishes available.
To keep things interesting, the menu will change to reflect the seasons and at least three days a week, a special is featured.
The small restaurant, with seating for about 20, is set up where those eating in pick up their menus then place their orders at the window with the person making it.
"You talk with the person making your food, that way you will understand what you are getting and they understand how you want it," explained Mrs. Dean.
Primarily self-serve, she noted when business is slow she often walks out to take orders or just to mingle with customers to make them welcome and ensure everything meets expectations.
Along with soft drinks and tea, wine is available by the glass in the restaurant and the full selection of beer offered by the Bottle Shop is chilling in the case. To keep things interesting for themselves and their customers, the Deans said they rotate their beverage selections also.
According to the Deans, their goal was to create the type of establishment they look for when going out. "We enjoy something a bit different but we also look for good service, good food, good atmosphere. That is what we want here, too."
Apparently they are achieving it. Mrs. Dean said by their third day of operation, they had customers who had visited by cafe three times.
The expansion isn't over yet, either. Mrs. Dean said they intend to expand beverage offerings this fall to include a full lines of coffee as well as espresso and cappuccinos.
Dean said working together the Bottle Shop and Madcoco Cafe is planning to organize wine tastings. The invitation events would offer those attending the opportunity to learn about different wines in a relaxed atmosphere.
Also part of their business plan is to offer Sunday afternoon entertainment and to make Madcoco Cafe available for parties.
But as they are expanding, the Deans say they will continue to emphasize reasonable prices and personal service.
"We want people to enjoy a healthy, upscale meal without the upscale price," said Mrs. Dean.
The Bottle Shop is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday while Madcoco Cafe's hours are 11 a.m. to 2:
30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Both establishments are open from 2-7 p.m. Sunday.
The drive-through window provides easy access for purchases from the Bottle Shop and call-in orders can be placed for the cafe and picked up inside.