NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Dave Atwell is celebrating a successful year in his new business venture.

 

The longtime owner of Desperados decided he wanted to get out of the restaurant business and after selling his business over a year ago came upon another opportunity.   

 

"Nineteen years of being in the restaurant business and I was looking for something different," Atwell said. "I’ve always liked this location. It has always been a liquor store and I thought I could clean it up and make it successful."

 

Atwell spruced up the package store that had been located on the corner of River and Eagle street since 1959. It was for decades known as Lopardo's but also had a short life as River Street Package Store before Atwell purchased it and opened in late February 2018.

 

"New everything," he said. "New roof, I painted the outside, new carpeting, and new coolers."

 

Atwell said he made it a point to carry more craft beers and unique products.

 

"We carry a much bigger selection of craft beers and wines than the last owner," he said. "Craft beer is really growing … people ask about specific beers so I actually brought on a third vendor to get some stuff I couldn’t get before."

 

Dave's Package Store also has a drive-through window that he said has been a huge hit. 

 

"It is super popular and a lot of people just get a kick out of just the novelty of using it," he said. "People pull up and can get scratch tickets, a quick six-pack, or a pack of cigarettes without having to get out of their car."

 

Dave’s Package store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m .to 11 p.m. and Sundays 10 to 9.