Popular Plymouth Township market adding vibrant new amenity
The Picnic Basket’s new bar area will be located just a few yards west of its front entrance.
A much-visited Plymouth Township market since 1988, The Picnic Basket is on the verge of adding a 500-square-foot cafe/bar area that can be used for wine- and bourbon-tasting events along with providing customers with a space to enjoy a glass of wine or selected other spirits and food items.
The final step in owner Al Jonna’s pursuit of adding the cafe/bar was securing a Class C Liquor License — something the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees unanimously voted to approve at its July 11 meeting.
Jonna emphasized to the trustees that the space — which will take the place of a coffee cafe just to the right of the market’s front entrance — will provide seating for 20 to 30 people and include a barrier that will separate it from the rest of his market.
Strict compliance
When questioned by Trustee Chuck Curmi about measures he is taking to prevent minors from being served in the cafe/bar, Jonna said he will diligently comply with Michigan Liquor Control Commission rules that include requiring people who order alcoholic beverages to show identification.
“It will be just like when you go to, let’s say, a Red Robin and order a burger and a beer — you won’t be served the beer until you show your ID,” Jonna said.
“Honestly, I’m not even sure this will make money. Hopefully, we will at least break even. My vision is to offer my customers a place where they can do wine and bourbon tastings with food pairings. Sometimes, we’ll have the wine makers on hand to explain how the wine is made.”
Space for wine clubs, etc.
Jonna added the cafe/bar will provide an opportunity for the Picnic Basket to host wine clubs and other unique events.
He said several other markets like his already operate modest-size bars, including Whole Foods and Plum Markets.
“It will be something like they offer at the Delta Terminal at the airport: nothing fancy, but a place I can showcase my vendors in the market,” he said.
Located at 49471 Ann Arbor Road, the Picnic Basket is a popular destination for residents of western Plymouth Township and nearby communities who want to purchase high-quality food and beverage items without having to travel an additional 20 to 30 minutes to larger chain grocery stores.
“I get stopped just about every day in the market by people telling me how much they appreciate that we’re here,” Jonna said.
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