A well-liked small shop in downtown Jacksonville is shutting down. A mix-up with North Carolina's liquor rules and the challenge of running two different businesses under one roof.
Located at 720 Court Street, this unique spot is The Grazing Tray by day, transforming into Dewey's at night. Samantha Prevatte runs The Grazing Tray independently and collaborates with Jennifer Morton to operate Dewey's.
Jacksonville Business Faces Challenges with NC Liquor Law
A unique business model in Jacksonville blends a daytime café with an evening bar, but NC liquor laws pose problems.
Samantha Prevatte, the co-owner, explains the setup: 'During the day, it's a café and coffee shop where customers can enjoy breakfast and lunch. At night, the space becomes a sit-down dinner spot. That's when we open the bar for craft cocktails and meals.'
The Grazing Tray and Dewey's ventures share the same location. However, alcoholic beverages are only available at Dewey's in the evenings. 'We received all necessary local and state permits for a temporary liquor license,' Prevatte stated. 'For six months, The Grazing Tray operated in the daytime, and Dewey's Bar and Bistro took over at night.'
This arrangement continued until mid-December when officials from the ABC Commission visited. 'They informed us that two separate businesses couldn't operate in the same space,' Prevatte said, highlighting their regulatory challenges."
Jacksonville Business Closure: A Cautionary Tale
The city tried to help by dividing the space for The Grazing Tray and Dewey's Bar and Bistro, but this led to more issues. The ABC Commission's rules required adding another kitchen and bathroom. They also suggested merging the two businesses into one. "The problem is our ownership and operations are totally different. Restructuring everything just doesn't work for us," said Prevatte.
Sadly, the only remaining option is to shut down The Grazing Tray. Prevatte now wants to advise other North Carolina restaurateurs. "If you're planning a dual-concept business, ask many questions. We thought the regulatory bodies would guide us clearly, but that wasn't the case," she explained. Prevatte also mentioned an important point: "The initial six months of having a liquor license is an audit period. We didn't know that, and things can change during this time."
The Grazing Tray's last day is February 3rd. Dewey's will remain open and might change because of this closure.
The Grazing Tray's front-of-house and operations manager, Michaela Guidry, was shocked at the closure. She confirmed that the staff of The Grazing Tray will move to Dewey's and praised Prevatte for ensuring their job security.
Prevatte and Guidry both emphasized the overwhelming community support and appreciation they've received. A petition has been started to support the coexistence of the two businesses in the same space.
This petition, started by Ivie Versailles on January 16, 2024, aims to support The Grazing Tray, a cherished charcuterie and coffee shop in Jacksonville. Samantha, the owner, has made The Grazing Tray more than just a business; it's a community cornerstone.
However, it faces closure due to unresolved issues with the state ABC commission, which hasn't specified any legal breaches but still refuses to let The Grazing Tray and Dewey's operate in the same building. This situation threatens The Grazing Tray and the local economy's vibrant culture.
